The math for the compression ratio turned out to be exactly 9.9:1. Everything was exactly cc'd.
I do have a mild pinging issue if I roll into the gas a bit too hard in high gear at lower RPM. I use pump premium without ethanol. I also have the proper amounts of sta-bil and Marvel Mystery Oil in the tank. I believe that the MMO helps lubricate the valves without leaded gas.
This morning, I decided to replace my early 60's timing light, that I bought new about 1963, with a digital type so I can get some exact numbers. I am able to set my idle at 800 RPM. My initial was 8.4* and stayed that way through 1000RPM. At 1500 it went to 18.2* and maxxed out at 25* at 2000RPM. With the vacuum advance hooked up, I read 9.1* at 800RPM and I had 10# vacuum. At 1000RPM I had 20.5* and 15# vacuum. At 1500 the total was 38.3* and 18# vacuum.
Per suggestions, I set the initial at 18* at 950RPM. I watched as the mechanical advance maxxed out at 1880RPM. I read a total of 34.9* at 2000 RPM without any vacuum advance.
If the streets dry up a bit, I'll try this initial setting and then try with the vacuum advance hooked up.
Thanks again, I will keep you posted.