I've read a lot here about advancing timing to improve performance. Has ANYONE ever burned up valves doing that or is that just a-chebby thing? (please excuse my french... oops and that one too)

 

You are more likely to burn a valve from the timing retarded, not
advanced (without pinging)......I like your thinking however, about it being a
"Chebby" thing!!!

 

As stated in earlier posts, I have no reference for where to set the timing on my 300. I just do it by ear. The Chiltons I have doesn't give me a number. By the time it sounds "right" I'm at 12-14 degrees BTDC (timing light) which, allowing for the local altitude (6500' = + 6-1/2 degrees - old school) seems a bit high. I recieved reference to setting the timing with a vacuum gauge but must confess my ignorance - how would I do that?

 

If you aren't pinging, then I would say you aren't
advanced too far.....