I just went through the degreeing exercise with my 408 stroker. Advancing it will improve the top end but only by a few hundred RPM. You probably wont feel (or see on a dyno) any change less than 2 degrees. If you dont feel the low end is good enough advancing it wont help. Id be afraid to retard it beyond straight up. Remelner if toy are adjusting the crank gear retarding at the crank advances the cam. Advancing at the crank retards the cam.
You may also want to check the original cam card, if may already have a certain amount of advance built in.

A higher stall converter might give you better results.

Good luck,
Scott