455 timing ?

[72buick]

Just purchased a 72 buick gs 455, build sheet says that engine has 10.1 pistons balanced, 280 comp cam, heads ported and rebuilt w/ stage 1 valve train. it also says that distributor rebuilt at 7* cent. and 16* int.
I am not sure were to set the timing with a timing light. it was set at O*btdc when I got the car but it looked like everything else was off trying to adjust for a big vacume leak. I have fixed vacume leak, car runs alot better but on initial start up it will hickup through carb. I have the timing set to 4* and trying to get the car dialed in.
thanks for your help.

[72buick]

Ok! was this a stupid question? or do you need more info?
does the 16* Int. on the build sheet mean that is the "initial" timing and that is were I should time it?

[amick]

Sorry you did not get a faster response but our online tech service was closed from 2:00pm on 12/22/10 until 8:00am this morning for the holidays. To answer your question no one can tell you exactly where to set the timing. Timing is a tuning tool and will have to be played with a bit to get it perfect. I would suggest starting around 12 degrees initial and around 34 total to start with. From there simply tune to whatever the engine runs its best at.