Timing Question for 360

34* is a bit much for initial timing. That's about where total timing should be. At what RPM are you checking the timing? If it's around 3K then you might be ok. If it's 34* at idle, that's too much. You should be good with around 20* give or take at idle with about 14* mechanical all in by no later than 3K for a total of 34* or so.