Just for reference, I have an '84 firebird with a stock 305.

If i recall correctly, it has a timing of 6* BTC stock. Would advancing the timing increase power at all? I know that it would probably cause predetonation, so what if I used higher octane fuel (I'm using 87 now, I can use 89 or 92) and advanced the timing. Would it give me any more power? What would it do to gas mileage? Whats the "best" timing for a stock 305?

I've read at many places heated debates about higher octane fuel and better/worse gas mileage, but they never really talk about timing.

 

yea, you can bump it up say to 10*, and run 91 octane.

If the car runs faster, then great. All motors are different, and your elevation, condition of the motor, bla bla bla. It's what runs best for you that counts. Give'r a shot.

 

Basically what he said. The computer controls timing somewhat so if you do get the occasional ping or knock, the computer will sense it and retard the timing. Trial and error.