[Lynn]

1. Possible it would benefit with a couple more degrees.
2. Remember, just because you don't hear an audible ping, doesn't mean there is no detonation. The detonation you hear is just the extreme. It starts a bit before it is audible.

3. While I agree with Tom that all the numbers need factored in, I am going to ASSUME you are fine with the all around performance, and already have the curve and vac dialed in. You are just contemplating advancing a bit. Also ASSUMING you are running the vacuum to straight a manifold vac and not a "ported spark" source. That takes the vac advance out of the equation under load.

If all of that is correct, I would bump it up to 38 and give it a shot. Because you called it an L78, again, I am ASSUMING you mean close to stock compression, cam, etc. I will be the first to admit it has been many years since I helped tune an L78. So many years, we still had regular leaded gas available (without going to the airport). Seemed the ones I worked on liked right at 36 total (excluding vac of course).

Seat of the pants can be very deceiving. Many times we "feel" a difference just because we WANT a difference. If you have a Gtech or something similar, you could make back to back runs in an appropriate area to see if there is any measurable difference. If there is no performance benefit, I would put it back to 36 just in case there is an inaudible ping at 38.

Way more than you asked, but trying to cover all the bases in one post.

Good luck.