318 #302 head timing question

I'm running vacuum advance, because it's a street engine, but again, that doesn't do anything to full timing. I have it fed on a timed vacuum port from the carb, so it does what it's supposed to do at idle and other high vacuum areas of throttle/ load.

Once you've got the timing where it likes to stay, 2° retarded from starter kickback, work on primary to secondary transition, if it stumbles, with accelerator pump setting and jetting if you can't get rid of it with the pump. After that, if you can, read the exhaust and get a good AFR reading. I used to take my cars to the emissions clinic to do it, before getting my hands on an AFR o2 reader. I put o2 sensor fittings in my cars, now.

After you've got the engine dialed, double check and reset your kickdown linkage to make sure you are getting the correct full and part throttle activation for enough band and clutch apply pressures. You may want to climb down there and adjust the low/reverse and kickdown bands, if it doesn't hold enough for you.

Other than that, it's a matter of playing with stall, tire size and gearing, but a good carb tuning and timing should make it drive clean, without fouling plugs.

Just check your plugs after initial run and again at your first oil change, to be sure everything looks good.