Timing and Plugs - help

Ok, got the 305 all in and running. It is a mish mash of 84-ish camaro and reman parts, all stock and unknown parts -

HEI dist, Quadrajet carb w/ elec choke, 180d thermostat, alum intake and casit iron log manifolds, true dual exhasut.

So what base timing?
I have about 10 degrees now (a real bitch to see the dampener line!), it starts and runs. I will be able to drive it next week to check for pinging (and back it off) but need someplace to start. The 305 that came out was seized (rod issues) so i have no idea what it was set for, the 305 donor had electronic carb and dist so those settings mean nothing either...

What plugs? The donor motor has autolite 24 i think. the old motor 26's - or vice versa. Both had 195 therms...again, i can check after driiving, but trying 2 or 3 sets of plugs can get expensive!

Any input is appreciated!

TIA
chris

bump

haven't timed for vacuum in a coon's age. But then, this is the first beatie i have had with aout a cat converter since I sold off my 63 ford back in 85. Since then everything has been either confuser controlled or i used the facotry specs +/- 2 degrees or so. Spent 11 years on motorcycles - no timing adjustments there either.

Now to remember where (and if) i have my vac guage...

ok guys im still a yungin how the heck do u time an engine with a vacuum gauge?? does this method work on after market cams lots of duration, lobe seperation?

Just find a vacuum port(I reccomend the brake vacuum booster line) and turn the distributor till you get the highest vacuum rating. I reccomend you get another person to help you, and have them turn the distributor while you watch the guage. when you have the best vacuum pull, re-attach the line, and test.

NOW i can do it!
The only vac guage i can find is the one that is part of my ac manifold set...was trying to figure out to hook that to a 1/4" vac line...but it will fit teh PB booster just right! Cool!

Now to replace the twin motors and trannies on my son's powerwheels jeep....

to see that line use a pint sick and put a mark on the line

sorry paint stick

GOt the timing about right. Still playing with the temp issue - it gets hot at 45-55 or so- i suspect an air flow thru the rad issue - i put a block off plate at the bottom of the rad and will keep an eye on it and see if that does any good.

Got some of that fancy chemical that is supposed to drop teh temp 30 degrees...we'll try that next, should be interesting as i have been a temp guage devotee of late and know the temp patterns of this vehicle well.

Still have to do plugs...after 500 miles and using 89 octane gas it idles smooth.

The Q-jet is not set up right...time to tlearn carb tuning is suppose.