whats timing

[tim21391]

i got a 402.. and i heard it was suppose to be at 8 btdc and so we hooked a light on it since i couldnt go past 70 on highway.. it ran swell in town.. never shook or nothing good acceleration.. everything good in town but sucked on highway.. and the light said it was like at 26 or so.. we backed it down to 12 and ran like crap no acceleration nothing.. had it floored and couldnt spin the wheels at stop.. then we took it to 18 and seemed better but it shook like crazy.. then took it to like 22 and it was a little better.. now that seems way to high in my opinion is it? it has to be a fuel problem i have.. like the 4 barrels arnt opening up.. fuel pump is new fuel filters are new.. and im sure the lines arnt plugged up.. what could be the problem? any of your guys opinions are wanted/appreciated