Where to set timing

There are several good suggestions here. The best answer is "where ever your engine likes it". The most initial you can without ping or hard starting. The total timing is another story. Total mechanical is pretty standard between 34 and 38 depending on fuel, altitude, compression ratio. Total with advance is a little more interesting. My 76 Duster that had the later style head ran fine and had no ping but would get a little hot at cruise speed after about 10 miles. I found it was running 65 total with vacuum. The best I could get after backing out the adjusting screw inside the diaphragm housing was 45 total with vacuum but that was enough. The heating issue went away and I was still getting over 20 MPG. See store for details, some restrictions may apply, not available in all states etc...