Too much timing?

Johnny Dart said

I understand there is more than one way Rusty.
What I'm saying is that you don't have to pump so much timing into a car just to stick your chest out and say look at me, I have 20 initial. Maybe for a quarter mile blast. Backing it down a couple clicks will give you an all around much better running motor, that will also last much longer. No hiccups with the starter, no pinging, no knocking, no burnt pistons, and an overall cooler running engine. I also can run 87 in my cars, Have you seen gas prices in California ?
I'm sure Kevin will get it sorted out. :)
Thanks for the nice comments.

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Have you never seen an engine that 'likes' more than 20* initial timing? I run my 340 at 26* initial because it wants it. If I run it at 16*, it drops vacuum significantly, has a larger rpm drop in gear from P or N, takes forever to start, has drastically reduced throttle response, and runs noticeably rougher at idle. Those are all signs - to me anyway - that it wants the timing. Of course, total is limited to 34*.

If the OP's engine has it's highest vacuum, is quick starting, has good throttle response, and doesn't buck the starter or spark knock at 24*, why the hell not give it what it wants. It's not about running on the ragged edge - it's about tuning the engine and giving it what it wants. Plus, it'll apparently give him something to brag about? It's a win-win.