I should have said that the Torque Lite App can read timing advance on a graph, you can even export the data. You can track it right beside throttle % too. That might have helped your diagnosis, it's a free app
Just picked it up. First time since I've bought this thing that I was able to set the cruise in OD at 70mph and it didn't downshift and lose speed. So much better than it was.
Sounds like I may have found my problem. This is exactly what my 97 is doing. Looks like I'm going to check the timing after replacing plugs, wires, injectors!