Seems a little slow...

I would like to get it as close to optimized as I can before I throw any power adders at it though.

Good plan!

As for timing and vacuum, my 340 only has about 5" of vacuum at idle (800 RPM). I don't think it would be good for an auto trans car, but ok with a manual.

I run 38 degrees advance with aluminum heads and pump gas. The car was run on the dyno and power fell off with 36 degrees. The engine guys were surprised that it liked that much ignition advance.

Just for comparison sake...