[bobcowan]

A lot depends on the engine configuration, especially the compression. If it's a sedate and mild engine, with 9:1 compression, 36-38* may work well. If your compression is higher, set max a lot lower.

My engine has a lot of compression. I made more power on the dyno by dropping the timing down to 34* max, all in by 3,000 rpm's. I gained a little more mid range power by adding some timing in the mid range.

BTW, I lived in Italy for a couple of years back in the late 80's. I look back on that as some of the best times of my life. You have a beautifull country.