Basic Tuning: HELP!

So at this point the car is running worse than when I started. Since I plan to drive it tomorrow, I said OK Ill do it by ear and at least get it close to where it was.
So I now back the timing off, tighten it and go drive. Pre ignition pinging is there!
Back home and repeat.
Back out and its not as bad.
I did this about 3-4 times adjusting and driving.
Of course as I backed the timing off, I had to increase the idle speed. At this point the screws on the carb prove to be in an OK position.
I got it to where the pining is gone and the torque is GREAT!
Now Technically speaking..... I have no idea where it really sits based on numbers for timing. All I know, is it is running FAR better than it was.
So it tells me that I was way too far advanced.
Based on the info provided in the previous post, what is going on? Is there enough info to tell you seasoned guys what I did wrong?
Thanks guys!
Your help is very appreciated!