Initial/Total timing settings for modified engine

[nowmopardave]

Hi everyone,
I've decided to set Initial & total advance settings for Deb's 440, as per a nice download I got on a Mopar website. It deals with the Mopar Performance vacuum electronic ignition, which it appears she has. The problem is: the engine is not stock, but I have no idea what's in it. It was in the car when we bought it.
Here's what I know:
the block is a 1971 440
May have increased compression, as it pings if regular gas is used
It has a nice, lopey idle, so cam is not stock (maybe about 500 lift, I'd guess)
Holley 750, Weiand intake, headers, etc
Given this, could anyone suggest #'s for initial, total mechanical, & vacuum advances?
Thanks a lot,
Dave

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

I've been using about 15 degrees initial at about 750 rpm

35 to 38 degrees mechanical all in by 2000-2500 rpm

52 to 55 degrees with vacuum advance at cruise with iron heads, maybe a couple degrees less with aluminum heads.

Works well for my engines, both big block, one a 440 the other 426 stroker.

 

[Gpuller]

My 440 with an old school 284/484 purple shaft likes 25 deg initial and 35 by 3000. I set the initial with a vac gauge, got the highest reading and that's where its set. Then adjusted the mechanical. I do not run the vac advance.
If your distributor is an old MP unit you might not be able to limit you mechanical advance with out a lot of monkey business. This summer I bought a Firecore Plug and Play dist, it has adjustments to limit the mechanical advance. Replaced my old MP unit, car runs the best it has ever.