mercruiser 488 timing

[iand464]

I just did the pertronix ignitor conversion the timing was at 0 when I started. I have service manual 3 which said timing was to be set to 8 but have heard 8 from others. Should I run 8 or 4 I ran it set at 8 the boat was faster than I have ever had it. Are there any dangers of running at 8?

Its a 1983 488 with a 4 bbl

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: mercruiser 488 timing

Attached below is at TSB regarding timing. I would (and do) set it to the recommendation on the TSB.