Timing, vacuum or no vacuum?

[porf]

Hi all,

The Dodge is nearly running well, but I'm a little confused?

When timing it (9 degrees BTDC) is that with or without the vacuum advance connected.

Manual states no need to disconnect the vacuum advance, but I'm generally used to disconnecting it

Figures are rather different with/without our connected

 

[Panky]

I've always set it with the vacuum disconnected and pipe blocked off to the manifold, but I only use that as a starting point. Modern fuels and wear on components both affect the running of the engine so once I've got the initial setting I advance the timing until I hear the engine just start to pink then retard a touch until it stops. Takes a few runs with the engine warm but the slight hill on the road outside my house is a good calibration point for me.