Thermoquad tuning on 318

AJ,
You are supplying contradictory info which is not helping. You say his engine will want about 25* of idle timing...& then in the same post you say 12* could be borderline too much? Here in Oz we call that having a bet each way!!
Idle timing is a compromise? No it is not. There will be a correct amount for each engine.

As for the engine tugging with a stock type c'ter.....lower the idle speed!. You can do that with this engine because of the stock, low duration cam. It makes more HP at idle rpms than long duration, lumpy cams which require higher idle speeds; this extra HP allows idle speed to be lowered & engine able to carry the c'ter load.