66 Mustang Timing issue?

[XXBULLETSXX]

I'll bet it's just your balancer. It probably slipped and now the marks are off but it's actually timed correctly, or close to it. It's sounds like you and I have the same problem. We both need to replace the balancer and front seal. I got a new balancer from NPD and it was just shy of $100.
If you do it yourself before I do let me know how it was and if there are any little tricks!
Good Luck!

 

[stangman16]

Whats a safe timing ?

How much higher than 10° BTDC can I go without having problems? I've got a mild cam with an unknown duration - kinda seems lumpy, with stock (yea, pathetic, i know) '78 heads, torquer 289 intake w/ edel 1406 carb + 8.9:1 compression. I'm not sure how the compression really affects the engine... but I'm assuming it's affecting my performance and I should possibly bump up the timing to 14° or so? I know the more I put it at, the better the engine seems to run. Any suggestions on a safe timing zone ? 10-14 or higher than 14?