Base Timing Questions

Everything in the tune is like a house. Your foundation, idle set up, is the base all other systems build off of.

If it has 12:1 and can start when hot with 20* of timing, large solid cam, sounds like a good start. If you have to floor it to start and it cranks a bunch, the tune is off. Fire with a flick of the key, likely very close to right.

JMO. No chance I'd put a Vac Seconday carb, if that's what you mean by VA, on that set up. Fuel efficiency is a bunch in your right foot! That's another thread. :)