[andy669]

First of all, MSD does not recommend dial-back type timing lights when timing engines that use their ignition boxes.

The flat spot on the very top of the pointer is where you want to read the timing number at. If I understand you correctly "B" on your picture is 10 degrees BTDC. If your black mark on your balancer ("B" on your picture) was at that place on the pointer when you were checking timing, I'd say your timing is about 14 degrees BTDC. Thats probably too much with your chip. Of course I cant be certain of anything since you are using that dial back light.

You have the best mail order chip out there, however I would like to see you disconnect it once, set your timing to 36 degrees, leave the spout out, and see how it runs.

As for having bends before the MAF, that can be compensated for by rotating the MAF itself. I have found 8 horsepower on the chassis dyno by doing nothing but rotating the mass air meter 90 degrees.

Andy