Low vacuum - should I ditch my vacuum advance distributor?

[1] You can lock the timing at say, 28 or 30*. So 30* everywhere. The problems then are:
- might get pinging at lower rpms
- stock starter may not crank, in which case a 3hp mini starter is needed.
[2] If that is an aftermarket dist you have, it should have an Allen Key [ 3/32"] inside the nipple. Screw in fully CW, softest spring setting. This is usually about 5-7" of vacuum, & it should pull the VA actuator in because as it advances the timing, the vacuum increases.
[3] The Torker manifold is a very poor choice. Dual plane would be better suited to the cam.
[4] An MSD system would do nothing for this engine except lighten your wallet.....
[5] The best move is to buy a GM HEI type dist. These have a number of advantages over the one you have now:
- comes with adj vac adv
-bigger cap, less chance of spark scatter
- comes with E core coil. You get more spark energy & can open the plug gaps to 0.060"
- gets rid of the Bal Res, ECU, everything is contained within the dist.
- centri weights easy access to modify the curve

I use the cheap Chinese HEIs that I can buy here for $80 for a Chebby. Have used heaps of them. Well made, lubricated, never had a failure & come with a steel gear for use with steel roller cams.