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