360 running hot

Just a little update. I'm rebuilding the dish washer, then back to the car. The door switch/lock is a plastic piece of crap. I ordered a new replacement. Back to the car,I have the MP performance dist. I'll set the timing on the mechanical to come in at 34*/ 3600. and back off the initial to 12* at idle. This motor has torque from the git go!!! Two questions, on the adjustable vacuum advance. Which way do I turn it to raise the rpm and what does the 8.5 stamped on the arm mean??