Just some thoughts on the 2.8 fords timing.
When I had a capri 2.8, the compression ratio was specified at 8/1.
It had a 2bbl 2150 or 2700VV carb, neither of which offered stellar breathing.
Factory put the max timing at around 36 degrees, though the later 2.8 distributors used a dual diaphragm vacuum adv/retard function, which MUST be properly plumbed or else you have some really odd transition timing.
Now that application was specified at around 105BHP from the factory, I believe it becuase my 1725 alpine could leave it standing still.
This puts the volumetric efficiency probably around 70% at peak HP.
Based on that, any of you folks building higher compression motors and bigger carbs and more aggressive cams are going to see a rise in volumetric efficiency (with subsequent increase in torque and HP).
My experience (as well as common sense) has been that with a given engine, an increase in volumetric efficiency and or compression ratio increases the cylinder pressures, which speeds the ignition flame front, and requires reduced ignition timing to compensate.
Therefore based on this, I would think that 36 degrees is too much timing for anything other than an engine stock in all respects.
I've never built a high compression 2.8, so I cant say for sure what the correct timing figures are, only that I think 36 is too much, and I would start on the conservative side and dyno tune the timing (again with a stethoscope or electronic ears) to find where torque increase stops, and where knock begins.
