Is it better to add advance in on the table or is having a higher base timing better with smaller advances on the table?

Mark.

 

I prefer to leave the base per GM's "stock setting" and then modify the tables. If you alter the base timing and if you EVER should happen go into limp mode, that altered base timing may be the difference whether the "limp mode' limps home or just dies right there.

 

Excellent point. I had not thought about that.

I recall my base is 10 right now. Works great with a 1987 bin, but not with a 1988 bin. For fun, I might drop it down to 8 and see how the later bin works.

Mark.

 

Afirm on what Glenn said.
My car was running with so little timing that my eprom fell OUT on the highway and I didn't even notice a difference (12 base at the time). It even drove down the road blinking the SES light like a strobe with out missing a beat.
I set my base down to 4 or 6 and the car wants to die right away. I think 10 is a good base for a mild to performance SBC, I can't see the car ever needing less than 10 degrees.

 

Day in day out,
hot cold, humid dry,
6 universally works best.
I've tried them all in all sorts of weather, and state of batteries.
Even at 8 on a really hot day the motor MIGHT be slow cranking, and at 4 on a really cold day the motor mightl WINDMILL rather then start.

If you have troubles at 6 you have other issues.