Need some much needed Volvo distributor wisdom. A couple months ago, I installed a Pertronix Electronic Ignition kit. Motor ran pretty well, but noticed it was smoking a bit and smelled rich. Checked the timing and could only get to 15 degrees BTDC because the diaphragm hit the block at full rotation. I then removed the distributor, rotated it 180 degrees, changed the plug wires in the 1-3-4-2 firing order and got the same result, except now the oil lubricating cup hits the block. The car does run and runs pretty well, but tends to sputter a bit at acceleration then once it spins up, accelerates very well.

I was told I could pull the distributor and shaft, rotate the engine approx 90 degrees then re-install the distributor. Unfortunately, I'm either too stupid, gave up too quickly, or was given bad info. I couldn't get the shaft down far enough to re-install the distributor and decided to move it another 90 degrees and it fell into place nicely.

The carbs are synched and jets are centered just in case someone wanted to go down that road.

So, can anybody throw out any suggestions how to get to the desired 18-22 degrees I need?

Thanks.