Ignition timing for stock cam/heads Magnum 5.9?

Have you guys experimented with ignition timing much?
While I have gone through nearly every nut and bolt on my Dart in terms of body, suspension and drivetrain, I have never messed with anything on my Magnum 300 crate motor beyond bolting up the headers and changing the oil.

It runs fine, doesn't seem to ping on 87...but something tells me that the ignition timing, which I've never touched is leaving something on the table.

I have a fresh distributor ready to go in this weekend...then I'll get to know my timing light and figure out if I can get any more of those (supposed) 300 horses to come out of the barn once in a while.

What has worked well for you? How much timing do these motors like? I am running a mismatched gear ratio (the 4.10 was not a great choice to match with the A904 as it turns out) so some higher rpm power would be helpful.

At 5,500 feet elevation and 9.1:1 compression ratio I run 18 degrees initial and 34 total all in by 2,500 RPMs.
Vac can makes my grand total cruise timing right at 52 degrees.
I normally run 87 fuel.
This is a 5.9 stock short block, Engine Quest CH318B heads with 1.92 intake valves, 214/224 cam, 1.6 rockers giving .512 lift.

Unless you live up in the mountains you should probably stay around 16 initial or you could end up with some detonation on 87.
Also pay attention to your total timing. (initial plus mechanical without vacuum advance)

With an overdrive you could get pretty good mpg with that motor.:D