You need to change the mechanical advance in the distributor, NOT back down the initial timing so the total is still in bounds.
See where the car start with difficulty, if that's at 20+ so be it. Set the initial timing there or close and tailor mechanical to hit your total, NOT the other way around!
I see what u mean. What would be a good total to aim for on a 360? I always here che*ys like 34* about the same area for mopar? Thanks for all the help guys. Im learning alot