Here is a link to some great resources that might interest you and also guide you on getting the timing set.
The link lists all kinds of topics covering the VW engines. All the sub topics available on the site listed in alphabetical order. If you scroll down to the T section you will find a lot about timing the engine. I would suggest reading up on all of it when you get a chance.
I can help narrow things down more once I know what distributor you have, but for the most part, you want to try and time the engine to run between 28 and 32 degrees of advancement at 3500 rpms. Once set you will probably have to re-adjust your idle at your carb since your timing at idle will be changed. Every engine is a little different on where it falls at idle once you set the timing for max advance.
If you don't have a timing light, I would suggest picking one up as they are fairly affordable and very nice to have. Part of your typical upkeep on these motors should be checking the timing periodically. Also, if you are still running points, I would suggest changing over to an electronic ignition. They save you a lot of headache in the long run and can be picked up for a fair price. Let me know if you want to go this route and I will help you find one that works for your setup.
http://www.vw-resource.com/mihov_index.html#W
The second link is
The link lists all kinds of topics covering the VW engines. All the sub topics available on the site listed in alphabetical order. If you scroll down to the T section you will find a lot about timing the engine. I would suggest reading up on all of it when you get a chance.
I can help narrow things down more once I know what distributor you have, but for the most part, you want to try and time the engine to run between 28 and 32 degrees of advancement at 3500 rpms. Once set you will probably have to re-adjust your idle at your carb since your timing at idle will be changed. Every engine is a little different on where it falls at idle once you set the timing for max advance.
If you don't have a timing light, I would suggest picking one up as they are fairly affordable and very nice to have. Part of your typical upkeep on these motors should be checking the timing periodically. Also, if you are still running points, I would suggest changing over to an electronic ignition. They save you a lot of headache in the long run and can be picked up for a fair price. Let me know if you want to go this route and I will help you find one that works for your setup.
http://www.vw-resource.com/mihov_index.html#W
The second link is
