Timing questions

[GPULLER]

I was tinkering on my Charger this weekend, wasn't happy with the way it wouldn't idle when it was cold.  I was playing with the timing, originally the initial timing was at 15 deg and it was all in by 30 or 32.  Noticed the more initial timing I would give it the idle picked up so I set it at 20 degrees, it seemed like it wanted more than 20 deg.  I checked it at 3000 rpm and it was 36 degrees, took it for a test drive and didn't have a pinging or detonation.

Engine is a 440 with Mopar Performance 484/284 cam, running an older MP electronic ignition, where the mechanical advance is not adjustable.  I do not run the vac advance hooked up.  Torquer II single plane manifold with a 750 Holley w/mechanical secondaries.

Does that sound like a lot of initial timing?  Figure if there is no detonation it should be OK.  Am I right in assuming that?

[rt green]

i do think theres a way to make those old dist adjustable. sounds like a bit much initial. does it turn over slower on start up?

[GPULLER]

There is a way to adjust the mechanical advance on the older MP dist, pretty sure it requires some welding, grinding and a lot of trial and error.  Doesn't turn over slow, fires right up.  That's the first thing I thought of, with this much timing it wouldn't start, that's not the case.  Maybe my timing light is wrong?  It isn't a fancy Snap-On one just a cheap one with the dial on the back to dial in the advance.

[1BAD68]

I ran my 318/stroker last week at 20 initial, 54 miles to the dragstrip and had some overheating problems.
Set it at 15 degree's for the ride back and it didn't overheat anymore.