Establishing Initial Timing

My ultimate plan is to install a Holley Commander 950 engine controller I have in a box and let it adjust timing based on a knock sensor. I have parts from a Chevy (1985-95, 8-pin HEI, knock sensor & module) which make that fairly easy. The controller keeps creeping up the timing until it senses knock, then backs off a few degrees, then creeps again. I think most modern cars work that way. A Mopar e-distributor w/ centrifugal & vac advance will handle the gross changes.