i just recently purchased an 85 computer controlled carb setup that had thrown a rod as a new project car. found a 350 short block out of a 84 vette with 76k miles. purchased a set of 78 882 heads(i know theyre junk but not looking for performance just reliability here and they were completly rebuilt for a good price) eldebrock performer intake and eldebrock 600 manual choke carb. new lifters and stamped rocker arms hooker headers/y pipe combo. since the 84 has stock cam in i cannot find any reference on what timming should be at i set it by ear and idles great and starts fast but under a load pops and backfires NO power at all.

 

the cam doesn't determine the timing. with the vacuum advance connected to manifold vacuum, try for about 28 degrees initial.