When I’m making a pass balls to the wall (timing locked out at 37*) what is the timing actually at? Is there a way or method to see what the timing is at?
Yes. Take the ignition out of the car and put the distributor on a test bench.
Hook up the ignition exactly like it is in the car and spin it up.
You’re already locked out to any variation in timing shows up easily.
Then you’ll know exactly when the box retards and how much and you can account for that when you set your timing.
You can do it in the car but it’s a PITA. It’s very difficult to hold the throttle steady, see the marks and then increase the rpm and do it again until max rpm. You can just hold the throttle at max rpm so you know how much total retardant there is. I can tell you I’ve done that and it is a bit unnerving to wing the engine all the way up, bend over the fender and taking a look.