440 Engine tuning suggestions

MVA is just one method of giving an engine what it needs for best idle. Best idle is when the engine makes the most hp from the timing you have given it. If you change the idle timing, & rpm drops, it is making less hp [ at idle ]. Co-inciding with the highest idle rpm will be highest idle vacuum....vac [ at idle/cruise ] being an indicator of engine efficiency: efficiency from the correct timing & fuel delivery.
There are other methods other than MVA of increasing idle timing. In the 70s, I was running a solenoid on the side of the dist. I am not familiar with the programmable ign systems, but they are another choice. And a locked dist.
For Hot Rod Joe, MVA is probably the easiest, cheapest & most reliable. Set it & forget it....
It DOES take time but the final results are well worth it.
I did an MVA simulation 4 weeks ago on a Trans Am. Driver test drove the car & his exact words: it is a different car. His brakes were also better from the increased vacuum.