New 76 with unknown mods where do I time it?

[edpdx]

Just bought a 76 with a 350 in it. The guy I bought it from said he got it 3 years ago from the guy that rebuilt the 350. It may have a cam; but it must be fairly mild as the engine does not exhibit a strong lope. The original q-jet is replaced with a 1406 Edelbrock. There is a single plane hi-rise mani. Not sure which one yet. HEI with strong wire. It runs very strong and fast. I know there is some lost HP because the obvious hi compression should deliver more. I think the air filter- a SS triangle from Edelbrock may be suffocated to the hood.

My question is: How can I get a starting point for ignition timing? Do I just check the current timing with a Light and Tach and keep coming back there at tune-up time or is there a better way?

I was thinking a dyno could dial it in and give me the specs for ignition timing. It does not answer the question: What cam / bore size have changed to if at all during the rebuild? The dyno guy in the area is spendy and though I know it is probably worth it if they do dial it in for you, I was wondering if anyone knows of another way to find out where this 350 should be timing wise?

Thanks,

Ed