ZZ4 TPI jumps to 35 degrees advanced???

[TransAm12sec]

We have a 90 Formula, 350 ZZ4 TPI, with an MSD distributor. When cranking, the timing jumps up to 35 degrees instead of four degrees. He always had to turn it back even when it started. The car kept breaking gears on the flexplate, which consequently tore up gears on the starter. While cranking it, the engine was missing, we thought it might be the chip, so we had a new chip burned by Motorvation, which were based on the specifics of the motor(lift, cam timing, size of the injectors). Any suggestions on how to fix this?

[Gary Anderson]

Are you using the stock '7730 ECM? How are you setting the initial timing?

[TransAm12sec]

It is the stock ECM. I am unsure how the initial timing was set, but the new chip was installed, the problem no longer appeared. The mechanic wanted to try to recreate the problem a few different ways at the time I made the post, but was unable to. So, as of now it works.