The thread about Comets running hot caused me to wonder if the recommended timing might be too advanced. I would note that Richardson says the Flash should be timed at 41 degrees, while the Comet is 38 degrees. Both of these figures seem to be advanced. I would note that 3407 was timed at 38 degrees, not the higher figure. I don't know how they came to this number, but if it were done by noting the maximum torque that would have been more advanced than what a modern tuner would have selected. Most modern tuners will not advance ignition to get additional power. They are prone to saying that just because you can advance an engine and get more power that does not mean you should.
Recently, David Tompkins adjusted the timing on his Comet on the dyno. This was a reasonably stock machine, 32 mm Concentric, 9:1 piston, stock cylinder, stock head and Mk2 cam. The timing came out to 31 degrees. I don't think anyone else has done dyno work to set the timing, so I think that is a good number.
This does not mean that 34 degrees is not fine, but it may indicate that the Comet does generate some heat from advanced timing.
David