If you are timing it for total with no regard for what your initial timing is going to be.... YOU'RE MAKING A BIG MISTAKE, imho.
You need to get the idle/initial timing and then the carb settings. Timing first, carb second. Likely going to have to bust into the distributor and limit mechanical advance.
Too bad the mods won't put a "how to set my initial timing" in the archives so we can just link to it. Let the vacuum gauge be your guide. Max vacuum at a constant idle, as you dial in timing your engine should pick up RPM, then back off 1". Lock it down and take a timing reading. That's a great spot to start.
Try to not put silicone sealer anywhere near a carb or it's gaskets. Most silicone is gas soluble. Very bad.