Belgiumbarry, you may know my view already, but here goes. You cannot time your engine based on advice from others, you have to buy that vacuum gauge, do the testing, listen for detonation etc. as my book describes. Only then will your engine be optimized and live long. The initial 16 and total 34-36 are good starting points though, but they're only that. And remember, if in doubt, use less timing, that won't kill your engine.
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