Vacuum Question

[Blue]

Yes you do, you'll never get enough initial without going well over 34 degrees total unless you limit the mechanical advance. On several "cammy"cars over the last few years I have disabled the advance altogether and set the initial at 34 and they love it, so that gives you an idea of how out of date the old factory settings are.

[MilesnMiles]

Matt, I use the FBO dizzy kit, it does help when addressing the problem you are having. Allows more initial without the dreaded pinging under load.
Like you, I set by ear pretty much.