Distributor recurve
That power curve is terrible.
No wonder it doesn't detonate.
but it won't make decent power in your engine.
And even with the VA, it has no where near any potential to make decent fuel economy.
Take a look at the chart in post #30; that's looking pretty good for your combo. I had a similar combo to yours that I recently sold; 9.5Scr, small solid-lifter cam, SS intake, but small exhaust like yours. Mine was set up for fuel economy with bottom end power to pull a 2.45 rear gear. My curve ended up similar to post #30.