Which ignition and how much timing at cranking RPM?
I use the mechanical advance in my distributor in my S/P E 85 stroker motor (508 C.I.) with 15.1 to 1 comp ratio, it idles at 16 degrees BTDC and has 34 degrees total at 2200 RPM, I turn the ignition on before cranking with no issues, so far
Some of the later model ignition MSD boxes won't fire the coil until the crank turns over twice