timing woes

If you have found by experimentation that engine performance is best with 35*, & you get no detonation, then keep it there. For easy starting, there are two simple options:
- a switch under the dash that grounds one side of the pick up [ p/up has two wires, does not matter which wire you ground ]. For starting, have the sw in the ground position, as the engine cranks, flick the switch to remove the grd & the engine will start.
- use an adjustable vac unit connected to manifold vacuum [ MVA]. This adds timing at idle & cruise. As an example, select 15* initial & add 20* with MVA. The 35* can be any combination of initial + MVA that gives 35*. On the VA unit, screw the Allen Key fully CW. You may have to make a stop for the VA actuator to limit total travel.