It really makes me wonder why some of you guys need so much timing. What is so different about your combo with the same identical head that requires it? My guess is it's a Band-Aid to cover up other issues you may not be aware of. Now, before you chastising me, I've put many Indy heads on small block combo's and I've never had to run more than 35 degrees to make the best power. as far as reading your plug for timing, perhaps you're just running the wrong plug.
