Timing gurus. Recommended initial and total timing for a warmed ove 273 commando?

trebor75 said
Time has come to start tune with the new parts (Ignitor II distributor).

It sure seem to like a lot of intitial timing. I have it at 19 right now, the response is really great and peppy. What do you recommend for a total timing, and at what RPM should I have it? I got a spring kit and advance limiters etc with the distributor.

I set initial at 19 yesterday and tuned the carb for best vacum at 800 rpm. I could not set the total myself, need a friend to help me check the tach and rev it up. I did take it for a ride and no pinging at 6500 rpm. It runs great I have to say.

Can someone help me understand total timing? Lets say Im at 40 now, with no pinging, is this ok? Or should I still strive to have it at about 36? Would there be powergains from this? Should I set the curve so it kick in as fast as possible? Say at around 2000 rpm?

Please help me understand to tune for best overall performance for my set up.

Initial 12-19 is generally a good number. As soon as it kicks back on the starter, back it off a couple of degrees.

Total timming...34-36 degrees, is what you want to shoot for. Leave it at 40 or more, and you just might melt some pistons.

As far as "all in ". With a generally lightweight car, like our A bodies, getting full advance quicker is good. Generally 2000rpm -2500rpm is a good point.

Remember to use the same grade gas you intend to use when tuning.

17 initial
35 total
All in 2500
Would be a great starting point for your street car.