On a circle track engine who care what the initial timing is you need to know what your total timing is and set your timing at the RPM where you dist. stops advancing,
Setting your timing at 3000 could burn your engine up if your engine has to be at 3800 Per say to acheive total advance.
One other thing make sure you balancer is degreed prperly and stay away from the dial back lites as I have seen them burn up mor pistons over the years.
Here is a few links to look over on timing lites.
http://www.dragracingonline.com/tech...-lights-1.html
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/173877/