Hot Rods 400 SBC w/points Spark plug gap

I am trying to give my Model A a tuneup. She has a 400 SBC w/points. I googled the plug gap and for a points engine I read 35 thousands is correct.
All of the old plugs are 45K. Which is correct for a points 400 CI motor 35K or 45K ?

 

.035 on ponits .045 for HEI.

 

I changed points,plugs,rotor,condenser and cap.Gapped the plugs @ .035 as suggested,set the points @.020(with a matchbook). Now it hard to start and acts like the timing is off.When it does start it runs rough.I didn't move the dizzy but it acts like the timing is off. Any ideas??

 

a matchbook is .014 (downtime in a machine shop, I was bored) if you have a stock distributor, you need to set the dwell with a dwellmeter, at 28-32 degrees.

 

and adjusting the points will affect the timing...

 

I seem to remember .019 for point gap then adjust with a dwell meeter

 

.035 plug gap, .016 point gap, dwell at 30 degrees, firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

 

Got it guys.Thanks.

 

The old school way to adjust points on a Chevy V8. With the engine running, turn the adjusting screw in until the motor dies. Back out the screw 1/2 turn. Restart and check dwell. If the distributor is in good repair (no loose bushings) the dwell will come out at 30 degrees.

 

Yes, timing must be reset after points change.