I didn't want to jump on the other timing post going right now, so here's a question.

With the exception of one light advance spring replacing the heavy one, I have a stock distributor in my 400. The problem is, no matter how far I advance my timing, I can't get it to ping or kick back on the starter. When I advance too far beyond the optimum point, all that happens is the car starts "bucking" as I goose the accelerator. Does this mean my compression is just plain awful?

Also, is there any other way to shorten slots on a stock distributor beside welding? I don't have a welder.