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It was advancing to 32+ deg at 3200 RPM

That sounds like proper advance.

You said the cat was eliminated, had it gone bad? I have seen damaged cats send there monolith down into the muffler and plug it. Probably not your issue but was your cat intact when removed?

Cheers, Charlie
If It ain't broke, Modify it!
87 Montero turbo Converted back in Spring1989
95 Montero SR 3.8 DOHC Only one?
93 Pajero 3 door 6G75 Mivec with paddle shifted 5 speed
Then a Gen2 SR with full coil independent suspension.