Distributor advance position?

[blowncopcar]

I have a 97 Geo Metro 1.0L stock engine (i think). I replaced the timing belt, checked the timing gears to make sure the old belt was lined up right, lined the new belt right, then double check the marks.... I cant find a picture of a 96+ cam sprocket but the only marks it has is on 2 of the actual teeth themselves.... anyways that all lined up. BTW my timing cover is warped and stuck out actually the water pump and crank pulleys wore into it.... so my timing marks may be a little off but it cant be much, but it covers the middle notch on pulley.
When i was done with all that (and the car ran normal, as it did before the belt change) my distributor mount had maybe a third of an inch opening in the mounting hole on the advance side (where you loosen and tighten the mounting bolts). I couldnt read the timing notch thats on the crank pulley (right between where the two belts go, which i hope is the right timing notch, its what was lined up with the last belt) before i moved the distributor but then i got some chalk and marked the notch all the way across so i could see it past the timing gauge... I advanced it until it read 10* (yes i did all the proper stuff, warmed up and jumped the connector and everything) and my distributor sits where you see it now... with no space showing. If i max it out it does go to like 18-19* but it seems extremely touchy. Like REALLY touchy. Everywhere Ive looked guys have been further away from maxed out... at least with space still showing and be around 8-10*.... so Im wondering if thats normal and also see if the distributor is supposed to be that sensitive. Ive only set the timing on old cars and race cars (all V8s) so is it just me?
Also, the car seems to run fine with no pinging.... and yes I've heard it before in other cars and i listened with the windows down and everything. Nothing. And I run on 87. Is it normal where it is now as long as it doesnt ping?
Image of where it is now is below. Thanks guys.

[iveyjh]

That's where mine runs.

[blowncopcar]

Originally Posted by iveyjh

That's where mine runs.

did you do it with a timing light or by ear? if it was with a light, what number is it now set on?

[iveyjh]

Originally Posted by blowncopcar

did you do it with a timing light or by ear? if it was with a light, what number is it now set on?

I set it with the timing light a few months ago and marked the position. I still move my timing but I always know where home is.

[mwebb]

do nt advance base ign timing
if you do not know why
study and learn about the topic first

before you damage your system and engine

begin
here http://www.herningg.com/singh/Engine...20Analysis.pdf

to measure the effects of your tampering
http://www.herningg.com/singh/Ioniza...20analysis.pdf
that will get you started
there is more

[blowncopcar]

I did not advance it much... it is only at about 8-10 degrees advanced and it runs better on the interstate (where i mostly drive) but I'm just saying it seems turned a lot further forward towards the radiator than other ones ive seen that are around 8 degrees.... so Im mainly wondering if anyone else has theirs turned that much. AND BTW i DID time it with a quality timing light so I know EXACTLY where it sits