just rebuilt runs bad

. definitly hook up the vacuum advance, .

Sorry REALLY disagree with this. I say do NOT hook up the vacuum advance until you get things sorted out. Hell I don't run vacuum at all.

Stick that points rig in there, "power time" at high RPM to about 35* so that the advance is "in" then idle down and see what you have for intitial timing.

THEN LEAVE IT ALONE (the timing) until you check out other areas