Setting the timing on a 69 318

My original post i was asking where i should set the timing at for a basic stock 318 2 barrel 904 automatic duel exhaust. I have a 67 that has a 408 stroker in it and has distributor from FBO using full engine vacuum and it runs pretty good but as far as understanding how to set up a distributor i know i will be getting in over my head. I had the 318 gone through by a mopar engine builder Mike Chenoweth speed and machine so, everything is new. He set the timing on it when he started the motor up for the first time and it is setting at 0 TDC right now, he talked about setting up the distributor but that was as far as it got. After the first long test drive i went up a hill and noticed that it pinged a little so where I'm at with this is I'm basic when it comes to tuning, so all i'm asking is do i try setting it at 10 degrees above TDC As a starting point? I have a couple of different timing lights one is a dial back and the other is a basic timing light. Like i said in one of my earlier posts the stock gauge is reading high like on the first hash mark past the middle who knows if it is reading true and, I'm running a 190 thermos stat. One question i have i can move the distributor and see if the temp goes down right? I'm really showing my basic instincts of how much engine knowledge i have which means i know just enough to get myself in trouble. Thanks for all the replies and for this group
Pat Faley
I think most of your questions were answered. How many of the suggestions giving did you try since your original post? Trial and error. Test and tune. No way anyone of us can spit out the "exacts" for your car. So, here is a short list:
Do a few of these things, and report back the results. through process of elimination, we can help (and you'll help yourself).