Chevrolet: Ignition timing, willys pickup, compression pistons

Question
Roger I have put together a 1952 Willys pickup. The engine is supposedly from 1978 Olds.(it is the chev 350)350 turbo trans Ford 9" rear. The engine has roller rockers(found this out by changing valve covers) and an Accell super HEI.The man I bought the engine from said he bought it from a guy who built it for street racing and all he knows is that it has high compression pistons.It has a modified(large metering)Q-Jet.Okay to the question Everyone who has heard the engine run says it has a modified cam. The engine idles fairly smooth but revs fast and strong. Most chev 350's are to be set at 6-8 btdc Mine is at 8 I just want to be sure I have it right so I don't hurt the engine. The truck is only for Sunday drives and car shows. Thanks a lot and hope I didn't bore you. Bob

Answer
Bob-
Hea - sounds good, I wonder if the cam is a hyd. or a solid cam, if it is a hyd. cam than you have no prob. setting it. but if it is a hyd. cam than what type is it and what is it set at?????.. the hyd. cam to adj. it- all you have to do is when it is warm at running temp. youv  will take off the valve covers, than one tappet at a time and loosen the rocker till it will clack than tighten it up slowly  till it stopes clacking than turn it in 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn  more  no more than that. and if the engine starts to stall it is normal so do each one slowly. ..now if solid lifters ??? if it runs at 8 * and it runs good than its good as long as it is not pinging or knocking or still running after you shut it off.ans with a cam when you adj the carb. you do not wish for it to sound smooth it should  sound as if ther is a cam in it. you can take the adj. screws turn one in all the way till it almost stalls than turn it out 1 1/2 turns and no mor than that an you will hear the cam  chug chug  that is normal if it has a cam in it.. ok.