Not sure if this question was for me, but I'll try to answer it. For initial, I have it idling about 700 rpm's with no vacuum advance. I bump the timing up (advance) about 3 degrees. Did the rpm's pick up? If so, back the idle (at the carb) down to 700 rpm's again and bump another 3 degrees. Same thing. When it doesn't pick up any rpm's, then go back to the last setting where it did. Then, the car needs to be fully warmed up - shut it off and let it sit for about 2 minutes. Then, restart and if it kicks back at the starter, pull about 2 degrees out (retard) and see if it kicks back again. If it does, pull another degree out till it doesn't kick back. For total, it will be just where your car performs the best. could be 33* or could be 38* for example. Same true with the recurve at what RPM the full advancement kicks in, meaning where it performs the best. And ALWAYS be listening for detonation
