[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I dunno about "the" 1.8 guy... But I have learned a few things about 'em.

Timing is 7.5 degrees BTDC at idle, with the vacuum hose(s) disconnected from the distributor and plugged. That's the "5 degree" mark you noticed.

I figure you just treat the motor as a 1.8 unless something proves differently. I.e., you find three-intake-stud heads, or you find some receipts, or ... Really, the only way to be sure of the displacement is to pop off the heads and measure the bore and stroke directly. Or you can take the motor out and strip all the "externals" off of it, then fill the cylinders with oil through the spark plug holes at TDC and BDC. Measure the difference between TDC and BDC and that's the displacement of one cylinder. ... Lots of work.

--DD