360 timing, help

crackedback said

Stop using the vacuum advance until you get the base timing and total timing figured out.
IMO that cam will like 20ish+ for initial and then figure out where the total wants to be without pinging. You likely need different springs to get your total to come in slower.
That carb is usually lean in most all areas of throttle position.
Check for a vacuum leak somewhere as well.

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That there's good advice.
If it diesels, the throttle is open too far, indicating either it's idling too fast, or the idle timing is not enough, or both.
All sb engines like power-timing to be in a very narrow window between about 32* and 36*. So a good target is 34*. When it gets there and how fast it gets there, YOU the tuner' have to figure out.
So start with the best gas you can find and, a slow curve coming in very late and, work your way back. Leave the vacuum advance off for several weeks/several tank fulls, til you get the mechanical sorted.
After you get that sorted, you can try the next grade down in gasoline, and start all over.
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