That is a good point. I don't know someone with a good box. If I try a couple things and I cannot fix it, I will work on getting the msd reconnected. It is a blaster 2 coil so I think you are right on not needing a ballast. How does one bypass a 4-point ballast (safely)?
25* initial is not excessive. Many GM cars wisely used manifold sourced Vac Adv, & idled with 24-26*. My GTO left the factory idling at 26*, 6* init + 20* VA, with a mild cam that was 200* @ 050.
