Yes mate you need to set the timing, you may be lucky and it might be alright, but best to check.
If the timing is out it will run like a busted C***

The ignition has an automatic advance so it will start perfectly well set at 28 degree.
When in doubt, set up your equipment to what the manufacturer said to do.

I have had a lot of advice from bozo drunkard know it all's, who when questioned don't even own a gas/petrol powered plane.
So unless those bozo's have gas planes that run perfectly day after day, don't listen to them.
Setting the timing is easy, here is one way to do it http://www.rcextremepower.net/ignition_timing.html