Timing help for '64 Dart, 225 CI

Hey all,

I feel like I've read every post on timing and I'm just not seeing the clear results I'm expecting.

all timing number are btdc.

With my distributor clocked all the way clockwise (as far as it can go with the little channel the bolt goes through), the engine ran fine, about 18* initial timing. (According to Hobo Freight "xenon" light). Yes I verified TDC and the mark on the pulley using #1 cylinder and some wire on piston head.

All timing checked with distributor vacuum removed from carb, and the tube plugged (tube on carb). All timing checked warm.

I've seen posts about using vacuum to adjust timing and that seems to do nothing for me.... I never saw vacuum change while adjusting timing all the way left, and right (distributor), while measuring at the manifold. Again, hobo freight, could be junk gauge.

I adjusted the timing to 24* initial and it ran much stronger / faster. I did this because another post said to turn the distributor counter clockwise until the engine stops revving higher, then lock it down. The engine felt like it woke up on test drives, however, the cranking during start seems far more labored. It's like the starter was working really hard.

I backed it off to 22* initial for now and it's right in the middle of starting easy(ish) and running strong, but I can't help but think I've missed the forest for the trees here.....

Any advice is very welcome. Is that harder cranking normal on "good" timing? I never got my engine to "ping" but I don't quite know what that would sound like either..... I run 91 octane with no additive in my gas if that matters. Feel free to call me dumb and point out the super obvious thing I missed, I just feel like I had a very vague experience adjusting timing, and my results didn't line up with other's posts. I need to lash valves as well since I haven't done that in about a year - I could always do that before trying to get timing "perfect".

Thanks in advance for any help.