AJ's guide to Ballparking Idle Timing

I wouldn't use full manifold vacuum on a 230 cam, unless you have a very small Vcan. To do so, is to invite ping under light throttle acceleration. The biggest can I have seen is 22*, so 16 + 22=38 would be excessive. But a 9*(the smallest I have seen) can , totals 25* at idle, much more sane, and certainly smoother than 16. Unfortunately 9* is not gonna do much for your fuel mileage. And depending on your Dcr, ping is an ever-present possibility, when running a fast curve and a big can. However, here is the deal, if your combo runs without detonation of any kind and at every load and rpm setting, then there is nothing wrong with running it as you are.