Running Lean?

I have the vacuum advanced un hooked and was going to run it at around 32* total. Not sure what would work best with that cam but as of right now, it's set by ear.

I ran the engine up to 2000 and advanced it to the point that it brought the rpm up then start to load the engine then backed it down a bit.
I know on a fresh motor that's a nono but I don't have a timing light and that's just what i've known to do for a temporary setting. Maybe I backed it down too much.