289, healthy "street" cam, performer 500CFM carb and Performer intake. Timing is set at 12 degrees at idle (about 750 to 800RPM). Vacuum is steady at about 13 1/2 inches. Gauge connected to driver side port on performer. Distributor connected to passenger side ("timed"). Adjusted idle screws for max vacuum with steady idle. What's "normal" for a setup like this? With less initial timing the engine idles nice, but lacks power. Two degrees difference at idle makes a HUGE difference at the top end. Vacuum cannister adjustment is one turn from full clockwise (advanced). What is "right?" HEI distributor comes with "performance curve"- supposedly "all in" at 2500. Stock 2.80 gears with trac-lock and a C4 with shift kit. Comments?

 

Well, what's full mechanical advance once it's all in (with vacuum advance disconnected)? 2500rpm is about right, with a total 28-32*.

If the lopey idle REALLY bugs you, you can hook the vacuum advance up to the manifold vacuum port. This will give you a smoother idle and possibly better cruising mileage, but may decrease part-throttle response.

I'd really try to pick up a set of gears. Your cam is NOT going to like them at all. I drove around for a while with 2.79's and a cam that didn't make power until 1500 and it pretty much sucked. I swapped to 3.25's and it made a world of difference. I'd be running 3.50's if I didn't drive on the freeway so often.