Timing for a 318

Every 318 I've ever had liked 7 degrees BTDC with the vacuum line to the distributor disconnected and plugged. Didn't matter if it was points or electronic. While you are setting your timing look real close at the timing marks. If they seem to be moving any at all you will probably need a timing chain. This fits the symptoms you are describing better than the initial timing being off. If there is 60,000 or more miles on the odometer, the chain is more than likely the cause of your problems.