318 #302 head timing question

In a nutshell, yes...trial and error is best. We can give you recommendations where to start, where you end up, is up to you

Set up your mechanical first. Most here would likely recommend about 14 initial and try to curve it to figure out what's best for your total...and that's just the beginning.

Go to summits website, look up their MP electronic distributors, click on and download the instructions and read about how to set the vacuum advance. It involves a 3/32" Allen key, a friend, and a mity vac hand vacuum pump