I finally took some time and timed my newly rebuilt 2.4.  I initially had set the idle timing to 10 degrees and noticed it would flatten out around 5,000 RPM so I knew I had some more tuning to do. 

So today, a month later, I took some vacuum readings and actually used the $100 dial back timing light I got for Christmas.

My results, 17 hgs of ported vacuum at 2,500, off the front carb's vacuum advance hose.  Good I think.

Set the static/idle to 17 degrees at 800 RPM then ran the dial back function up to 34, it's digital, and set the RPM to 2,500 and shot the pulley.  Dead on 0, TDC mark on the pulley.

Went for a drive, ran great.  A brand new Corvette was out too.  I pull up alongside him and we exchange thumbs up, he looks ahead I drop down to 3rd gear and floor it.  You know how autos hesitate for a second while they spin up?  I pulled ahead of him for that one second then he shot by me like an RPG.  He slowed down to get beside me, gave me a salute and a smile as did I for him.  Wonderful morning!

Something I forgot to add that I am curious about after putting the 16 tooth speedometer cog in out of the OE 4 speed in the newly installed wide B 5 speed, at 2,000 rpms it shows 70 mph.  Does that seem normal?  I've got 15"  wheels with the recommended tire size to keep the speedo accurate.  

Thanks for any experiences. 

As far as I know the speedometer gear is tied to the final drive ratio of the differential and the tire size. I don't think that the transmission has anything to do with the selection. At least when I went from a series B 4 speed to a series B 5 speed there was no difference. I cannot drive my car now, but it seems like 2K at 70 mph is about right for the overdrive 5th.

That's what someone said on here, the gear goes with the differential, 16 tooth with the 180 and 18 for the 200.  So now it does and it seems to be right, compared to the other cars on the interstate.

Thanks.

Just realized the irony of your signature after your accident with the Expedition.