TedH

I am considering purchasing a 383 short block assembly that, with my 72cc heads, will yield a static CR of 10.2.

First, what initial timing will this engine like?

It would have all of the parts on my engine to make it a long block (I have a STRICT budget) including:
K&N air filter
Lars-rebuilt QJet. I may need some fatter secondary metering rods
Edelbrock 2101 Performer intake
Comp Retro-Roller cam with 1.52R stainless rockers (.502/.509 total lift)
DART Iron Eagle 180cc intake runner heads with 72cc chambers
Hedmann 1 5/8" headers (JetHot), true duals, h-pipe and dynomax super turbos

REELAV8R

Initial timing will depend on what the engine wants and cam specs, If I had to guess somewhere between 18* and 22*.

For a 383 I see 4 potential choke points with the parts you have.

The performer 2101 intake
The 1 5/8" primary headers
Maybe your cam, depending on what the rest of the specs are.
The 180 cc runner heads

This all assumes you intend on using the 383 up to 6000 RPM.

It'll still work with what you got, just with a lower RPM limit at a loss of some HP and maybe lower peak torque.

drwet

Static ignition timing is a function of your camshaft specs. For a cam with around 220 degrees if intake duration (at .050") you will need about 12 degrees of initial advance.

rcread

If you are going to go with a Lars carb, go with the Lars method of timing. He will email that procedure to you if you ask him nicely. 36 degrees total and initial falls wherever it falls.

sunflower 1972