I have the hei distibuter, when im at 8* around 900 rpm im at approx 20* max advance, im going to put the lighter springs in it to make sure im hitting max advance between 2700-3200 rpm

If i get total advance at 30* is it ok if im in the 12-14 * around 900?

Thanks

motor 463 ci
approx 440-500 hp

Yes but I would think on that engine you would want more like 34* total.

I have to ask, is this an auto HEI?

I have worked with marine DUI that have adjustable springs.

Have someone bring the throttle up and watch the tach as you watch the timing light. When you see the timing mark stop advancing anymore signal him to see what the RPM is at. I would set it to be at 34* when it stops advancing and then see what it's at idling. If it's at more than 14*-15* at idle you may need to do some tweaking to the distributor to increase the advance range.

less advance in dist and more initial seems to work better in most cases...just end up at desired total...

The HEI is a very good and reliable distributor. I have built many for marine use.

NOW the important part!!!!

If you're using an automotive HEI distributor, make sure you marinize it by drilling a couple 3/8" holes in the base plate of the casting to allow heavier then air fumes to escape. I usually epoxy small patches of very fine SS mesh over the holes to keep spiders etc out.

Set your advance to be ALL IN by no more than 3000 rpm.

Thanks guys, im going to play more with it tomarrow, right now i have it at 14 initial and total 26 at 3000 rpm, i will rev it over 3000 grand tomarrow and see if she goes over the 26 if so ill put the lighter springs in it.... Its a old distributer so it may be giving up the fight..
I am pretty sure it is a automotive one, currently i have one heavy and one medium spring in it...