I would normally agree. However, in his original post, he says he's over 10:1 and has 175 PSI cranking pressure. That engine is NOT going to want 18* initial.
You could be right
But I would still add more initial timing (2 degrees at at time) until he finds the sweet spot.
I have never run an engine at 8 degrees initial.
I would try it and see what happens.
OP - where is your battery located?
What size cable did you use?
Is the negative grounded on the block?
