I generally try to run as must initial timing as I can get away with,so as not to detonate.
For example,15-20 degrees or more initial & have the rest in the mechanical advance 32-40 or more,total,, depending on what your engine likes.
What does your car run?
Have you thought about a Th350 trans swap, or is it not allowed?
BTW, if you do get too much detonation ,you could use toluene,Xylene & other chemicles from Home Depo or local paint stores to increase your octane.
much cheaper than buying Super 104,Torco,etc octane boosters.
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/misc/octanebooster.htmlMBHD