A simple timing question

[tkkruzer]

  OK I have heard people say to set my timing to 32 degrees total,,, question is what does that mean?  I do not understand this term. is it involving cam timing,and distributor timing , I'm just confused. i'm building a 360 for my R/R and this statement has come up but does not make sence to me. please give me any help on this matter so I can continue my building process.  thanx guys,,,Tom

[Plumcrazy]

Your total timing will be the initial advance plus the advance in the distributor.

As an example, if you set your initial timing to 10* and the distributor advances it another 22* then your total timing is 32*

[rt green]

when you run the engine it'll advance. get a timing tape and whatch for yourself. make sure your full timing is all in at or before 2000 rpm. use you timing light and a tach

[tkkruzer]

so this setting is all done involving the distributor , having the dist. recurved to give 32 degrees. correct? if this is what you speak of then I understand. is setting the advance something I can do without expencive eqiupment or should I  have it done by a pro? thanx   Tom