1/4 mile times

This is the last thing I'll say regarding timing and it won't cost you a penny, I think I posted this earlier. If the MSD dist was put in out of the box with no changes, you're screwed on timing.

Take the Dist out and put the BLACK advance bushing on which limits the mech adv to ~18*. Put the light blue and light silver springs on the advance weights. You have to make sure the mechanical advance isn't bleeding in at idle. It shouldn't be an issue if you can get the car to idle at around 900-950 in neutral. If it bleeds in mechanical, you need to put a heavier spring in.

Here are the instructions for a SB dist, same thing for a BB.
http://www.msdignition.com/instructions/Products/Distributors/8534.pdf?terms=8534

Put it back in and set the initial at 18* which should give you 36 total. If you run race gas in it, bump it to 20-22* initial. If you timed it for total, the dist comes with a 21* advance bushing installed, so you'll gain 3* of initial which can make a big difference. IMHO, you need an even larger bushing that limits mechanical advance to about 12-15*.

Or... this is what I would do... lock out the distributor and put a hot toggle switch in the MSD small red switching wire, time it at 34-36* total. Crank the car with the key, then flip the hot switch to fire it. That way you aren't killing the starter/battery. Same concept guys do it with magneto cars. Car would shut off as normal when you turn the key to off. That would wake the byatch up!!!

Take 496Dart up on his offer of springs for the springs, jets whatever. White is the lightest, short yellow, then tall yellow. Put the lightest spring in that the engine won't have a slight bog. The bog is caused because the light spring may allow the secondary to flutter.

Jet the carb with a 72 primary and a 4.5 power valve. If you take the PV out, jet it to 80.

All that carb stuff will cost less than $20, Kragen has power valves for about $10 IIRC

I've seen HUNDREDS of cars over the years with bad throttle response or "junk" holley carbs. With about 10 minutes of time using a timing light, vacuum gauge and small screwdriver, 99.9% of those junk carbs run 1000% better at idle and have crisp response. You have to make adjustments to the mechanical advance to limit total to your desired number, but, that's just part of making a hot rod run. Ignition timing IMO, is the #1 most misunderstood and ignored setting on a car.

What track are you going to in Oct?

I commend you for taking care of your father, :cheers:
I do the same with my Mom and it's a tough deal sometimes.