So I sorted out the fireworks display the previous owner had planned for me in the electrics. I take it out for a spin and second gear flat road there is absolutely no power past 4k. I hammers up to 4 grand and then doesn't go anywhere? 
Checked the compression running 13.0:1 in the cylinders.
Would you suggest retarding/advancing the timing? (which one if so)
Running higher octane fuel?
Or something totally different?
 Cheers!
NB using 32/36 weber carby recently rebuilt. (could be running to rich as it pops?) 

What is the compression?

mattsmithadelaide

So I sorted out the fireworks display the previous owner had planned for me in the electrics. I take it out for a spin and second gear flat road there is absolutely no power past 4k. I hammers up to 4 grand and then doesn't go anywhere? 
Checked the compression running 13.0:1 in the cylinders.
Would you suggest retarding/advancing the timing? (which one if so)
Running higher octane fuel?
Or something totally different?
Cheers!
NB using 32/36 weber carby recently rebuilt. (could be running to rich as it pops?) 

 
First of all, how did you work out the compression ratio?
 
If it is 13:1 you have no hope running it reliably on pump fuel, period.
 
Retarding the timing may help, but you will need to retard it to a point where it will lose power anyway.
 
Higher octane fuel will help, either ELF, or just run it on E85 (you will need to modify other stuff to do this)
 
Woz

 
I am also keen to understand how you 'checked the compression' and came up with 13:1

I had a similar issue and it turned out to be cam timing.
 
Matt

Used a compression meter, ran turned the engine over with the accelerator flat to the floor. Read 13 Bar. 

mattsmithadelaide

Used a compression meter, ran turned the engine over with the accelerator flat to the floor. Read 13 Bar. 

 
That IS NOT the compression ratio, that is the cranking pressure, and the 2 are not related.  13 bar just means you have 182psi cranking pressure.
 
Cheers
Woz

182psi cranking pressure (assuming engine at operating temp and a "dry"compression test) equates to around standard compression or a 9.2 compression ratio as standard is around 175_185 from memory for a HC pinto....

Sounds like your camshaft sproket is one tooth retarded if you are loosing power after 4000 but have very good torque low down... providing you have a standard (non interference) cam- advance the cam timing one tooth and try it. (Of course assuming you have tuned everything else properly - unlike your CR calculation....)

as per my previous post i had the exact same issue as Nic described.
 
Matt

13 bar is actually 191psi, assuming the gauge is reading correct. At that pressure premium fuel is mandatory.

Generally speaking advancing the cam beefs up bottom end torque and retarding does the opposite.