More power!

While I was sorting out my problems with the Pertronix system one of the times I got the car running it seemed to have more power. On the presumption that the source was a slight chance in timing caused by the "points" sensor install, I moved the distributor a bit before the event today to increase the advance and yes I got noticeable more power. Ya! After starting the car 8-10 times, mostly with the backup starter battery, the car would not turn over. My co driver Steve, who is a mechanic with many years experience, said we were getting too much compression from the too advanced timing to allow the slightly used batteries to turnover the engine. This eve I backed the timing off a bit and on nearly the same charged batteries, the car turned over and started up.
I want the extra power back! Anyone have an idea of how to deal with getting the car to turn over to get it started with the added advance?
I am going to play with it more at tomorrows event.
Video from today will be posted tomorrow. I almost got beaten by an amazing driver and Porsche 912 combo. He was probably faster than the GT2 I frequently compete against(for TTOD).
Mark