Help with ignition timing

340 hit most of the stuff, but, I have a differing opinion on the set it at 34* and call it good.

I'd set your initial with a vacuum gauge. Advance the idle settings keeping the rpm consistent until you reach the highest reading, then back it off 1" and reset idle RPM. As long as it doesn't kick back on the starter, you're good. Mopar distributors generally have a bunch of mechanical advance in them... too much, IMHO.

Then tailor the mechanical advance, welding up or jbweld slots, to reach the desired total advance number that doesn't result in detonation.

Nice write up 340!