ok i have a vortec headed 357 flattop pistons xe262h cam RPM intake...hooker exhaust, t56...and so one. my initial timing is at 11, and my total is at 34-35ish. it feels like it flattens out at around 4000, and i was thinking this motor would pull to atleast 5500rpm. would bumpin up the initial to like 12 bring the total to the "sweet" 36 mark and wake up the top end?

 

Every engine will respond differently to timing. Best thing to do is trial and error.

My engine likes a ton of initial on bottom end but very little on the top.

 

i understand that...its just that i heard vortec heads "LOVE" 36degrees of total timing.

 

actually on the engine dyno our vortec 383 liked 34* best. Every combination will be different.

 

Normally, the heads in question will give you a general idea on a starting point. A good flowing set of AL heads will most likely tolerate more timing than the steel ones. Try starting at 34, and increase it until you get max power, without detonation. Make sure you check the plugs too. This is very important.