Hi Reeves
Don't expect too much from the bakkie A14 engine. They don't have much grunt without mods. One night I dragraced a A14 bakkie 3 traffic lights in a row.Everytime I beat him.This was with $hitty points,stuffed exhaust and badly tuned SU's.
Change the timing back as soon as possible.It can cause damage as mentioned.

Last weekend I raced against a 1999 Opel 1.8 16valve and also a late 90's 316i BMW.
I did'nt beat them but kept up with them.
Just not enough grunt to overtake, but handling wise I am very happy.
This is now with the mods as mentioned in my signature and tuned SU's.