Timing question

[BMSJaX]

Alright I have a SBC 350 with a H.E.I. dist. Now 50 diffferent sources have given me 50 different ways to set timing. I am confused. One guy says;

1.)Plug vac. adv. line.
2.) Hook up timing light
3.) Read the timing while you increase RPM's until it stops advancing...record that RPM.
4.) Observe the total advance and adjust to 32-34 degrees (keep the RPM's up while doing this).
5.) Only mess with the advance springs if it took more than about 2,500-3,000 RPM to come in totally.
6.) Don't worry about your timing at idle. Just hook up the vac. advance when you're finished and that's it.

Now my dist gives full mech adv. at 1500 rpm. So should I set timing to 32-34 at 1500 rpm then? Does this sound right? I've been doing it at 2800rpm but if full mech adv. is at 1500 why go the 1300rpm more?

[BMSJaX]

Are you seriously telling me no one here does their own engine work? No one knows about setting timing?

[BMSJaX]

Anyone..... anyone..... Bueller....Bueller..... This is ALL I'm waiting for to have my truck as my daily driver.... It will be my ONLY vehicle come end of week so I kinda need to know soon....

[Corts60]

OK, your total advance is something you need not be worried about for a daily driver.

1. Plug your vacuum advance line at the carb.
2. Install your timing light on the #1 spark plug wire and start the engine.
3. At IDLE, adjust your timing to around 6-8 degrees BTDC (Before top dead center)
4. Secure engine, snug up the distributor hold down bolt and hook up your vacuum advance line.

This procedure sets your INITIAL timing.

TOTAL timing is what you were talking about earlier that has to do with your mechanical advance mechanism and springs. To set this, it is best to get a timing light that has the advance buttons built into it for easier use. And, yes, 32-34 degrees of total advance sounds about right, but that will depend on your engine set-up. And you normally want all your ignition advance to come in somewhere around 2000 to 2500 RPM's.

Also, are you running ported or manifold vacuum for your advance?

[BMSJaX]

I am running vac from the "vacuum adv. port" on the carb not sure if that is ported or manifold.(its a q-jet) Right now I have timing set; 35 degrees at 2800 rpm I believe, friend did it and he sets timing more by feel and sound then a light. Does run fine though. So tonight I'll set it to 34ish at 2000 rpm. Thank you SO much for the help!