I'm running 38* total right now...seems a bit high, but it acts like it loves it right there, runs better right about there than anyplace else.... any ideas?

got have alittle more info then that bro

What kinda cam

carb, heads, comp, gear,

Since the bulk of the Pontiac 400's in the 70's had extremely low compression ratio, 38 to 40 total is perfectly fine.

Oops...I was so busy working on the motor i didn't take the time to spec it out. Its a 9.5:1 motor, mildly ported heads with 2.02 chevy intake valves, comp XE294 cam (551/551 lift, 244/244 dur @.050), 3.73 rear, TH350 tranny, 750 holley....that oughtta cover the details...