I set all my distributors up around 20- 25 degrees initial, any more and they start hard when warm. My old power wagon has 25 degrees intial, and 36 total. Thats 11 degrees of mechanical advance. Runs good, idles great. Plugs look great. I also dont use vacuum advance on any of my trucks, just my valiant.
Make sure you mark where the rotor is facing when you take out the dist, that way you can line her up. I have a center punch mark on the block and the dist base that is where 36 is total is about, makes it easier to get it timed right, as I have had to put the dist in and out a few times till I got the slots welded right.
If you really want bang for your buck, advance the cam 3 or 4 degrees on the timing chain, will lower the torque curve to a more useable rpm. If you have a timing chain with more than one key way slot it is easy, otherwise you will need the offset key ways.