total timing is set at what rpm

It all depends on what you want and are doing. I've found through the years that small blocks love lots of timing and they love it early. I usually get mine as close to 40 degrees by 2000 rpm as possible. Sounds like a bunch, but they really like it. Of course, with that much and in that early, premium gas is usually necessary. Also, if it's a street car, run a vacuum advance. I always use the Mopar Performance adjustable unit because the vacuum cans usually pull a little too much in. If you don't run vacuum advance on a street car, you're missing out on some bottom end performance and you'll not get the fuel mileage you could get by running one.