Basic Tuning: HELP!

This would be why I think tuning by vacuum is a waste of effort. With what you have, you're closing the carb so much that the vacuum advance and accelerator pump cant help, plus there isnt enough airflow for the idle circuit to meter properly. get a timing light. Set the initial timing at 10°, set the idle speed to 650, and adjust the mixture to the highest vacuum reading. Then drive the car and see how it goes.