Iginton timing for 350 engine

[JDaniel]

in need to know how much degrees the igintion timing has to be set for a standard 350 engine with 4 barrel carb and hei ignition.
In the haynes boo kthey say 4 ,but is that 4 degrees ? (don't think so )
who knows?

[VileZambonie]

The spec will be °BTDC

If you are any kind of performance enthusiast you will not like this timing setting. Base timing from the factory is set to achieve low emissions and stable idle. What's your timing at now? Did you check your total timing?

[JDaniel]

it just has to run good, which timing do they give ,and is that with the vacuumhose on or off?
thx for helping.

[mountaindrew]

I'd double factory 8* and start there if you have stock HEI.  Vacuum advance line disconnected.  Keep advancing until you get detonation when you cram your foot in it, then back it off a degree or three.  If you tow a lot, you might leave it a bit on the conservative side.