I've done some research about base timing, particularly in a haynes manual (yeah, I know.) I was hoping someone could use layman's terms in describing it and how to establish it. Also what did you set it to with your aftermarket cam? Thanks.

 

It's the timing the distributor is set to without the computer getting into the act. The "basis" upon which the computer then adds advance with varying engine/vehicle conditions.

Start where it was for the stock cam. Run it. Advance it 2 degrees. Run it some more and compare to previous. Continue until you find the place were it starts running worse, then put it back to the place where it ran best.