Engine timing

[klassic rob]

Good morning Gents. Need a little help. What is the correct or best timing setting for my 70 454. Stock motor, mild Cam not sure of lift. HEI IGNITION , no vacuum advance. Thanks for the help gents

[72 Monte Carlo]

It really depends upon which camshaft you have. 

On my Big Block 414ci with a Lunati Voodoo cam, springs, and timing kit, I disconnected and plugged the distributor vacuum advance and at 3k rpm, I set my distributor manual ignition timing to 34 degrees advance. Then I plugged in the vacuum advance and readjusted the idle speed back down to around 800 rpm. I think my ignition timing at idle is around 10-12 degrees advance, but it runs really good now. 

[420ponies]

Initial is 10-12 degrees. If you have an advancing timing light (degree dial on back of gun), you can see what full advance is at 3,000rpm(34-36 degrees). Always ,idle should be at 700rpm (in drive), then when adjusting your carb, adjustments will be correct. I do not like a distributor with no vacuum advance. This tends to put total in right at the start (pinging in the engine). My BBC 427 likes 38 degrees total. Like Doug said, different cam specs call for this. My cam is "advanced " 4 degrees ,more bottom end torque.

[riverdogs00]

My stock 454 seems to run best at 12* initial. I get 14 more from the vac advance, and 15 from the mechanical. Total at 41*   I think you just get it in the 10-12 range as noted above and then try it and see.

[Chevyz14me]

I don't have any vehicle with the distributor right now, but back when I did, I remember elevation also has a play in the initial timing setting. If I remember correctly, you would advance it 1/2 degree for every 1000 ft in elevation. Worked well for me back in the day.