[trularin]

How about you try for the "Total Timing" approach.

Set the RPM to 3000 and set the distributor to 32 to 38 degrees (I like the 36 degree mark myself ). Then let off the throttle. See what you have. If you have a vac advance, connect it to ported vacuum on the carb or TB. To check which port, connect a vac guage and watch for an increase as the throttle is increased.

You then might want to slowly rev her up to 3000 to 3500 and see how the curve looks. Use 200 rpm marks and ask someone to write the number down as you go.

Then you can change springs and bushings to fit, you may be limited to a short band of advance.

Typical would be something on the order of 12 to 16 in mechanical and 12 to 16 in vacuum. So, by this method you set the total ( most critical ) timing first and then back out.

Say you set this at 36. Let's say you have 14 in mechanical advance and 16 in vacuum. that means you should see something like 6 BTDC at idle.

Hey, it's an option. I'll bet if you have any CAM other than bone stock, at 14 degrees, you are having some good backfires.