[vettestr]

A few more questions on timing. You now have initial timing in the 16* range, do I understand you are running a locked down distributor meaning it does not have a mechanical advance or vac. advance feature? Most normally aspirated engine combinations will definitely benefit from additional mechanical advance and a vac advance sure helps reduce fuel consumption as well.

Initial timing advance in the 14 to 16* ballpark with additional mechanical advance of another 14 to 16* (all in by about 2500 RPM ) that nets around 32 to 35* total timing at say 2700 RPM I feel is good target setting. These numbers are ballpark and need to be tailored to your engine but I will go double or nothing I am damn close. The use of vac advance in addition to these setting will only help mileage and clean her up a little. The engine manifold vac reading at idle and manifold vac reading at low/moderate cruise will determine trip point for the vac. advance function of the distributor. In short as manifold vac drops any advance added is removed so no engine performance is lost.

The efficiency of your engine combination determines amount of timing and the benefits. Mo is better in most cases.

If the engine is running well enough and not hurting its self getting ignition timing close should be a priority over fuel ratios of the carb. They do go hand in hand but setting timing will get you closer to proper carb settings than visa-versa. You will need to still go back and tweak things but in smaller blocks. Jeff C RELAY WIRING IS SPOT ON.