What is the recommended TOTAL ignition timing for a 380HP MP Magnum crate motor? I cannot find timing spec for this engine. I currently have set at 34 deg TOTAL at 3000. The engine appears to want more, but being of old school, I'm reluctant to advance any further. I welcome your thought and experience.

I'm still sorting the timing our on my build which I copied after the 380 crate engine specs. I am at 14 initial with 22 advance for 36 total. It seems to like that setup pretty well. I am running a flamethrower distributor with the advance springs as it came from the factory which doesn't get all the advance in until 3500 or so. I am going to the lighter springs and shooting for all in by 22-2400. Most everything I have read says shoot for total timing in the 34 - 36 range.

On thing I'll say is don't be too certain that you're timing light is 100% accurate...I've seen pretty big disparities b/w timing gun to timing gun, so perhaps checking with a friend's gun is warranted...

Thanks all for the replies and suggestions. I will try a different light, before resigning to what I fear is a more serious problem. After swapping distributors, I now suspect the timing chain might be off a tooth!
Q) Is is possible that the darn thing will run half decent up to 85mph with the camshaft off a tooth?
I bought the car 7 mos ago, and never actually go into it until Spring, therefore I really don't have a good benchmark as to how it should be running. Thanks, again. And keep the suggestions and experiences coming.