Timing advice

["Everett" <ebus@ebus.simplenet.com>]

Hi.  I appeal to the list for timing advice...

Here's what I got - a 1965 Squareback, 1600cc engine (I think, the serial #
starts with a T but the previous owner told me it was the original engine,
which should not have a T, indicating a 1500cc engine, I believe.)

It is completely stock, except for a 009 distributor.

Right now, I am setting the timing statically as I don't have a 6-volt
timing light (do they even sell those?).

Should I set the timing to 7.5 degrees BTDC, as indicated by my repair
manual?  It looks like it is set to 0 degrees right now and seems to
running ok, except for a little hesitation when cold and sometimes it
smells like oil outside the car when I stop, even though it doesn't leak
oil.  Could the oil smell indicate the car is running hot and I should
retard the timing a bit?

What is the total advance of a 009, anyway?

Or should I just try a few settings and see what seems to work best?

Hope that was enough questions,
Everett
ebus@ebus.simplenet.com