Well you have to try different settings.There is no magic setting to cover all,all engines are different.
An "Old School"way is to bring RPM's down in 4th gear as low as possible (without bucking from cam)and floor it,keep setting timing up until it "PING'S a little at first and goes away rapidly. This may not be the best but it is close.Do this after you make sure the valves are adj correct.

 

another addition: are you getting fuel?? did you check your valve lash yet?

 

can't check the lash until tomorrow-today afternoon. as far as fuel....isn't a problem. i can fill a dixie cup on startup. it's over fueled.

 

any news? the shop still not helping you out? i doubt your cam beeing "too big" is causing your vacuum issues. i noticed you stated you dont know how to adjust your valves, and that youd look into it. tip: id go with the "up and down" adjustment mathod rather than the "spin the pushrod" method. less likely to overtighten. sorry, cant help yuo with the timing or degreeing, dont know but, ive told you this before and ill tell you again, i love your car dude

 

thanks for the kind words........i'm learning as i go and trying to fix it. no the shop isn't helping, they have already been paid.

 

My car has a little bit smaller cam, but with the stock engine management it took forever to start. When I got dfi I added cranking fuel and all was well. You should definately try the other things listed above.