Hey guys I put some timing tape on my balencer so I could get my timing dialed in perfect. Well I heard that Vortec heads like aroudn 30-33degrees of total timing, So I start the car aim the gun and I am almost getting 50 degrees at like 3500 rpm. So I start messing with spring and whats not and then I think maybe If I disconnect the vacume advance. Well I disconect it and have the lightest spring in and at 3500rpm I am getting like 31 degees. So right now I have the vacume advance disconnected and It doesn't seem to have as much power as my original setup ( 10 base, strongest springs, vacume advance to ported) What am I doing wrong here guys??

 

You check total timing with the vacuum advance disconnected, but you reconnect it after you do the check. Total timing means maximum advance without any vacuum advance. That's what the engine sees at WOT (when manifold vacuum is near zero).

At part throttle the vacuum advance gives additional advance (even beyond the 31* total timing you are seeing now) which is necessary for snappy part throttle performance, good fuel mileage and keeping the plugs from fouling out.

Reconnect the vacuum advance and give it a spin. It'll feel much better.