HEI distributors and timing (first time tuner)

[Mrturner1]

So I'm trying to tune and time the 350 I just did a top end on, and I have a few questions for you distributor and timing masters. I bought an advanced timing light and have a tach hooked up, and a new balancer with a timing tab set up. Help me get this puppy timed so I can feel all the benefits of the parts I went with.

First, it's a 1970 c10, 355cid with Pro-Topline heads. Heads have 180cc runners, 67cc chambers, and 2.02 1.60's. Cam is a Comp 280H Magnum. Billet HEI distributor (unknown brand but it's got a black cap and really nice billet stem that goes down to cam) long tubes, flowmasters, and an Edelbrock 650 AVS carb.

Is there an easy way to tell how much mechanical advance that distributor has in it? And more importantly, can I just say ta heck with what is got, and buy my own weights and springs for it?

I'm definitely a beginner, so keep it simple please lol I read for hours about the 350 and timing curves and what all the parts do, so I'll understand if you get into that kind of detail. From what I'm reading, you want as much initial timing as you can get, and then make up the rest of the timing (to equal 34-36 degrees total) with the mechanical. This makes for much more low end torque, better throttle response and you don't get that rich smell at idle.

One more thing, which port on the carb do you guys like to plug the vacuum advance into? Drivers side or passenger? One is different from the other correct?

Thanks guys
Matt