This is from another thread about helping out with a distributor machine. I have a machine and have set up a lot of Pontiac's but no Chevrolets other than a few inline sixes. Here is the engine, 3200-lb 1963 C10 with a Balanced 1965 .030 over 327 about 325 hp with 10:1 CR, Aluminum Camel Hump Heads 2.02/1.64 valves & 64 CC, with 2 Valve Flat Top Pistons 1.675 compression height. Howards Cam MC110991-08DL 221/221 & 470/470 with Lobe Separation 108° & Comp Cams 981-16 Valve Springs, Sanderson Shorty Header's 2 1/2" exhaust with zoomies & 2 1/2" pipe to back of bumper. 3.73 gear's, 26" tires, Muncie SM330 Standard 3 speed 1st gear ratio 2.85, Edelbrock C3BX Intake Manifold & Holley Carb 780 cfm with vacuum secondaries What would you set total timing at, how much vacuum, and how fast of a curve? For the Pontiac's, dad and I like to have the mechanical all in by 2200 - 2400 rpm with around 24 degrees, then the initial can be set around 10 degrees depending on the engine. The vacuum advance is limited to 10 degrees with an adjustable slide plate in case it needs more or less. The trick is to get timing in quickly, but return to zero before idle speed for easy timing setting at a normal idle rpm.
You can go right to 14 degrees initial and 32-36ish total...today's gas changes the rules considerably. Here's my learing process... https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/327-chevrolet-timing.1317135/
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