Hi Randy,
It might be that all K-code 289s came with the same dual-point distributors (I
wouldn't know) but there's no guarantee that in the last 35 years, someone
didn't diddle with the distributor.
Given that you will want the final timing (i.e. when the mechanical advance is
fully in) to be in the 36 to 38 degree range, you should find out what amount of
mechanical advance your distributor puts in, and subtract that from 38, then use
the result as your initial timing spec. If you take the points plate off the
distributor you can see the advance cam, it's got a number printed on it (or
rather, stamped into it) on each side of the cam. The value, multiplied by 2,
gives the amount of mechanical advance you get from that cam. If your
distributor gives you more than about 26 degrees of (mechanical) advance, then
you will probably need to do as Bob said, and get some very light springs in it
so that the advance starts to come in early. Or you could change out the cam for
one that has a reduced advance limit (you might be able to just switch sides on
the cam). With a bunch of 'speed' components in the engine, you'll probably want
a little more initial timing, say 12 degrees BTDC, so the advance cam you want
would only add 24 to 26 degrees.
Good luck!
Theo
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