I've set my timing to 35 degrees BTDC based on everything I've read. Then I came across this: http://www.mopar1.us/engine2.html

Doesn't make sense to me. They're talking about setting timing to 50 degrees BTDC at 3000+ RPM. If you read the steps it says set 35 BTDC with the Vac advance disconnected. Then reconnect and set total to 50 BTDC. That makes no sense to me, as Vac at WOT 3000+ RPM is going to be near zero manifold pressure isn't it? Why would there be mechanical advance on top of vacuum advance? I've always thought the VAC curve advanced timing during acceleration up to about 3000 RPM at which point mechanical advance is all you get.

EDIT: These guys are arguing the same issue (35 vs 50)...So I'm not the only one confused: http://theamcforum.com/forum/ignitio...988_page2.html

 

So, after further reading, I guess what I was missing is that under load vs non-loaded, the timing will be different....50 degrees just seemed weird, but following the above link, I ended up with an initial timing of around 15, 35 deg with the vac disconnected, and 52 degrees with vacuum connected. I'll crank in the vacuum pot a little to get that down to 50. Seemed to run fine with no ping, but again all under no load. Real test will be driveability.