What’s Good All in Ignition Timing

Stretch

Member
What’s typical all in good ignition timing?
73 Scout II, 304, manual 4 SPS trans, no smog stuff at all, Holley distributor, Holley Avenger 350cfm. Sea level to under 1,000ft is where this vehicle lives, Los Angeles area.
My initial is 10, ported vacuum to the distributor pinched off during timing light adjustments being made, mechanical advance is smoothly adding 15 degrees as I take it up to 3,000 rpm, my total is steady at 25 btdc.
Best lean idle has been set and it runs pretty good with no off idle stumble and no pinging when pulling a small hill in the neighborhood in first or second.
Considering adding another degree of initial but seeing typical all in numbers posted here and there that should be seeing a higher total all in timing number, above 30 degrees and my low number may be due to gummed up springs and weights. Can’t find any actual viewable clear pics of a Holley distributor on a scout showing gummed up springs and weights.
Thoughts on all in timing or any pics out there to share?
Thanks for any help!
 
Depends on your engine and condition, if it has low compression you can have more timing before it pings. Usually 32-36 if you spring the distributor correctly or lubricate it. They aren't curved for performance, so you may have better luck with a aftermarket unit or going timing control with FI to really show any noticeable power increase.
 
Thanks Zaedster. Understood on the aftermarket stuff. My goals for the ride are to keep it stock ish engine wise and all around. I may bump the initial another degree and call it good as it runs pretty well at 10. If it pings at 11 or 12 I’ll drop it back to 10 initial and call it a winner. Thanks.
 
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