Could me engine timing be inaccurate

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by K10-Kansas

Does this mean, when I first started the engine, at idle, what was the timing?

Initially, my idle screw was not adjusted well and the idle was too high, and I did not yet have a tachometer. At idle, the timing was around 16 degrees, but I may not be remembering correctly.

Now that I have a tachometer, should I redo the process?

Aluminum heads and 9.2 C/R will allow you to run a bit more advance above "normal".. According to the manufacturer's specs, 36* will give you the best power production, but you might have to run 90-91 octane gas.. The flame travel is faster with 87-89 octane than with 90-91 octane.. Also, as compression goes up, so does the flame travel.. To answer your last question --- No, you don't have to "redo the process"... With the engine at correct idle speed, using your timing light, just back the timing down 2 - 3 degrees if you experience detonation.