Lead Additive/Octane Booster

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by BAsque1

Chas:

Let me ask you this; why do the specs for this engine states the 8* BTDC @ 750 rpm idle? I have literature that says that. That said I have also read that for a single 4 V carb it is 4* and for dual quads is 8*, which is it.

That depends of the source or accuracy of the 'literature' you have. Is it an original shop manual for FE engines?
Regardless, the 4 decades since the engines' inception have brought hundreds of improvements (even for mild street cars) through racing and the work of specialist engine builders, like those present here.
Even if your engine is as it left Ford decades ago, tuning improvements as I outlined (without major part changes) will yield a better-running engine.
It is accepted knowledge today that these engines (with factory configured combustion chambers) operate best at 12 to 22 initial and a total of 36 to 38, in by 2600. Regardless of what was printed decades ago.
And changes to the design of cams, cylinder heads and induction can now easily add 100+ HP.
Try a dyno tuner to get the induction right (not so rich) and reset your timing and you'll see a big improvement in response and efficiency.