i am going to set the timing on my t/a over the weekend and i dont know what its supposed to be set at? the motor is a 79 350 from a 3/4 ton truck. i also have a non-cc distrubutor, 305 aluminum intake manifold, 600 cfm edelbrock carb, and headers. i want a good idea of what it should be so i can get the most out of my car. i also have one more question, should i re-adjust the carb since i did an engine swap? i swapped a 305 with nothing on it but this carb.

 

With the engine fully warm and idling, disconnect and plug the hose. Keep the idle down as low as possible, 600 RPMs or so, and set it at around 12 degree BTDC. Remember, each mark on timing tab is 2 degrees.

With the vacuum advance still plugged, rev up the engine by hand while watching the timing mark. It should go beyond the timing tab at higher RPMs.

Reconnect the vacuum advance. Rev the engine up again, it should immediately advance beyond the tab. With the RPMs up around 1500-2000, goose the throttle good - the timing should come back down, then go back up again as the RPMs rise.

You've now adjusted the initial timing, and verified the function (although not quantitatively) of the mechanical and vacuum advance.

Now adjust the carb...

 

I'm not sure because all cars and engines are different but you can try 10*. And yes definitely adjust that carb, after you set the timing.