Tuning issue on a 440

Okay, I ran another test last night. I was able to back the timing down too 14/34, still had the idle set at 750, but was not able to get a vacuum reading since my gauge was packed up sitting at work. Vac Canister was still disconnected and plugged on the carb

It ran really well! there was good pick up and pinging was almost non existent. The tank was filled with 93 ($84...). Under WOT there was a slight ping until the RPM's got a little higher. Under heavy load acceleration (going up one of those hills around here) there was some pinging present but not like what it was. I will try to do 12/32 soon.

Would I only start messing with the carb after I connect the V Can? I already know with the V can attached at the 12/32 setting there is pinging. Would I adjust the vacuum advance down or would I start with the rod springs/rods/jets?