Ok so I'm trying to dial in optimum ignition timing for my 340 setup, 9.5:1 compression, 360 j heads, 2.02, 1.60 valves, comp 268xe cam, edelbrock rpm intake, 670 holley, 6al mad and Mopar perf distributor. I recently had a little trouble out of my vaccum advance and while diagnosing it I started checking out my initial and mechanical timing thinking I may not have it setup for optimum operation. Right now it runs good. I have 12 initial and 42 total mechanical advance and i have never been able to detect any pinging or rattleing. While doing some reading I've seen several people say you should want your timing around 36 to 38 degrees total. I've always assumed you want as much timing as possible without detonation but now I'm rethinking that. What do some of you tuning experts recommend? And how should I dial in optimum timing without putting it on a dyno or going to the strip?
