i changed my cam to a comp xe 274. now the timing mark on the balancer with the car running and the timing light on it is in the 12 oclock position.the timing tab is in a 2 oclock position. when i retard the dist to get it closer to the tab it wants to stall. it seems to be running ok it has a slight hesitation when you punch it .

Thats because you installed a perfromance cam that needs 4x more base timing then the stock cam needs due to perf cams having more duration then stock type cams.

Stock cam runs approx 4deg btdc,the perf cam you have needs approx 16-18 deg btd base timing.

None of the aftermarket cam mfg's tell that fact because they cant tell you set the timing other then what factory spec is due to EPA/Emissions issues/laws.

Set base timing to 16-18 deg btdc with motor idling low enough like 600-650 rpm to ensure mech adv in dist isnt partially activated upsetting the base timing setting along with vac adv unhooked/plugged for setting timing only..

Note,16-18 deg will be off the stock timing tab,if you get the timing mark approx 1/4" -1/2" off the end of the tab that should be in the ballpark.

But you should get a timing tape with deg marked on it or use a dial back timing light to get it right on 16-18 deg.

Your looking for 36-38 deg btdc max total at approx 2800-3krpms.

When done setting timing reattach vac adv and then reset idle mixture and idle speed.

Scott