Reply to "Timing"

Yes. In '72, due to smog requirements, Ford changed the cam timing to 4 degrees retarded (relative to earlier 351-Cs), then advanced the static timing to get some power back. If your 351-C has ever had the cam chain replaced, especially with a roller chain, the cam timing may be back to the '71 cam-timing spec. It was the crank sprocket that got its keyway changed, incidently. So 16 degrees initial may be too much in this case, causing starting problems. Finally, todays quality of gasoline in many areas would have been used to kill roadside weeds in '71 rather than power high-performance engines. You need to find out where your cam timing is currently set, or ideally, change the chain to the much stronger roller type. Stock silent-chains wear out in as little as 20,000 miles due to the heavy valves in a 4-V engine. Once the cam timing is known, go ahead & set the ignition timing to what the engine likes, not what the book says. Start with about 6 or 8 degrees initial but don't exceed 38 degrees TOTAL (initial + centrifugal advance + vacuum) or you may experience detonation, even with "premium gas," at high speeds where you can't hear the death-rattle.