Reply to "spark timing"

you can experiment with initial & total timing individually, set the initial to 17* and see if it has any hot re-start issues. then set the total to 37* drive it, i doubt you'll notice any drivability issues, the question is whether it likes more or less?

the real trick is finding the rate that the advance comes in, the rpm when the springs are fully stretched to the stops and mechanical total timing is achieved. too fast & you'll get ping / knock / detonation, too slow & you'll be 'leaving power on the table'

your altitude makes a difference, a fast curve that works at 4500' elevation will not work at sea level

you may want a very slow curve