Find some local mopar guys to hang with.Or even some hot rod chevy or ford guys that are familiar with tuning engines.Ask around.Check some speed shops or engine builders around.Finding someone with some experience who is willing to teach you some of the basics and patient enough to take the time to do it.It is ok to say I don't know or understand.That is how you learn.
You need a quality timing light for starters.Disconnect the vacuum line running to the distributor(if you have one)and plug it.Point the timing light at the timing marker on your harmonic balancer.Have someone rev the car up to 3000rpm in park and see how many degrees show.Your total timing should be around 36 degrees.After that you check initial at idle.More is better up to 16-18 degrees.You may have to have someone recurve the distributor to get there but at least 12 is a good start.Hope this helps.