This used to be a huge problem for some people after the '70's smog-a-rama got kicked into the slipping, heating, slow gear mess that it became.
It's why cars with retarded timing went to "retard solenoids" on the distributors, and "idle stop" or on some cars (imports) "idle cutoff" solenoids.

Bumping the timing UP so you can close the carb DOWN makes a difference, as does just plain "proper" idle adjustment, and decent cooling system to keep temp somewhat under control.

Or---you could just run a 4 speed!!!