360 LA Timing For Initial Start

Just put together a 360 with 9.7 to 1 compression, Comp XE268H cam with 224in 230ex duration@ .050, .477in .480ex lift and 110 lobe separation. I'm trying to figure out what I should set the timing for initial start?

15 BTDC. after breakin you can work with the curve & the total to stay under the pinging point.

Just curious, whats the rest of the drivetrain setup, and what kind of vehicle?

15-20 and after it fires, bring it up to break in RPM and set timing at 35-38 and let it run. It's not going to ping with no load on it at 38* and will keep exhaust temps down.

Worry about what the operating environment timing events are after you get it broken in.

It's going in a Volare wagon, 727 w/ 2200 stall converter, 8.25 rear w/ 3.55 sure-grip. It's going to be a cruiser/parts chaser. Maybe a "little" spirited driving when possible.

You're going to love the mid range that setup is going to provide. Sounds like a great cruiser.

Initial start just to run it in? 30 or so. You might like the idle quality and crisp response so much, you'll just lock the advance out.

Idle timing or total timing?
Which heads are you running?
With stock iron heads I would set the initial idle timing at 14 to 18 BTDC and shoot for 32 to 34 BTDC, aluminum heads a little more, maybe, after testing to see what that motor likes
I haven't built or work on a SB Mopar with aluminum heads yet so no hands on experience with them yet, soon though

Yeah Cab, this is only my second small block. The first being a stock 85 360 that I freshened up. We used a Speed-pro cam w/ 214in 224ex duration @ .050 .444in .466ex lift, 69 340 intake, same style 2200 stall converter, 727 and 3.91 sure-grip. It wasn't a powerhouse but, in my brother's 68 Dart was fun to drive. This engine has a point and a half more compression and a little bit bigger cam. I think my buddy will be happy with it. Figure with decent headers this should make around 330-350 hp, at least that is what the general consensus is. I read that a 350 chebby with a similar set up and same spec cam made 340 hp. Almost forgot, we are running the stock 1977 factory heads, 1.88 intake valve, with no port work, just a 3 angle valve job and 340 valve springs.

Agreed, this is a great ballpark figure.

My 360 motor has 23 initial, total mchanical of 35 by 2000 RPM, but a loose converter (4k stall) and 4.10 gearing which helps as well.

Good starting point though, then go tuning after your break-in is done, good luck!