I have a friend who bought a car that was freshly built, and then the owner decided not to race it.
He took it to a local 1/8 mile track and it's best run was in the high 6.9s.
Low deck stroker? with Indy aluminum heads and 590 MP cam.
I did a quick compression test and came up with 185-190 on the gauge.
For a baseline, I set it at 36 degrees. A test hit was made and he swears it is much stronger.
What do you guys run. I know nothing of the engine for sure, other than the cranking pressure.

My 496 likes 35 degrees total mechanical timing. Most wedge BB's seem to like 34-36 degrees total so you are in the right ballpark. If he is running a curve the initial (idle) advance should probably be in the 20-22 range.

The cranking compression is at the high end of the range for pump premium if that is what he is running. It may be OK however mixing some race gas when pushing timing and leaning on it would make it safer against detonation.

Depends on the efficiency of the over all package and particularly the head is as to how much timing it will want. The more efficient the less over all timing it will need to compete the burn. The less efficient it is the more timing it will need. There is no Magic number really way to many variables. But start safe and advance as needed. Many -1 head combos seem to end up in the mid 30's total fwiw some will need more some will want less. Remember timing will affect AFR's as well, the more it is advanced the leaner things will become generally speaking.

I have always had 36-38 in mine, when running just motor. I have always had great luck with a lot of initial.... and I mean a lot! If I don't more then 25 degrees of initial in it, it doesn't like to run. with 31 degrees of initial its perfect. Starts instantly everytime and runs cool when cruising around.... But that's just my experience.

Most of my 500+ " motors like about 22-24 initial and make the most power with 34-36 total. Too many variable to say it's a "rule of thumb" but I'd say it's a pretty safe starting point.

My 505 likes 34° total.

I'd start there.

440-1 528, 15/1 comp, likes 34* on methanol

The engine will talk to you... you went up to 36 and it liked
it.. try more.... BUT watch the plugs... the ground strap should
show color in the middle of the bend... and make sure your not
going lean on fuel