Base timing. Really ?

You should have the VA hooked to ported (timed) vacuum. It should not pull timing at idle

In this case he might want to use manifold vacuum for V-can.
If his engine likes 20* his diz will add to much mechanical in its current state. So using manifold vacuum will allow him to set idle timing at 10-12* and his v-can will add more at idle then drop out as he accelerates until vacuum starts to build and bring the can back in .