Cracked,
I don't have a vac gauge, but I do have an induction timing light; my initial timing was set at 10-11 ATDC when I installed the new distributor last year.
I'll try the distributor test in the next few days...I've got to drive it to work tomorrow, so I can't work on it tonight.
10-11 ATDC (After top dead center) would be considered retarding your timing.
You want your timing at BTDC (Before top dead center) which is considered advancing your timing from TDC (Top dead center).
Do yourself a favor. Go onto YouTube and look up:
"How to set your ignition timing". It is a MSD sponsored video.
This will give you a greater understanding of this topic.
JD