I would start by setting the RPM to ~3000 with vac adv plugged then turning the dial till the timing slit is at TDC on the dampener. The reading on the dial will tell you your total advance (post it). then return it to idle with vac still plugged & then with the light knob turned back to zero see how much initial you have on the timing cover tab or turn the knob till the mark moves to TDC just like you did with the total & the reading on the knob is your initial & post that number. Ideally you'd want to set your initial with the vacuum gauge method then shorten the slots to get 36-38 total then work with springs then work with vac adv but if it's already been recurved it should be somewhat close & you likely dont want to recurve again so post what you have for inital when you turn the dist to get the total at 35 (dial on 35 & dampener slit on TDC) at 3K RPM & we'll go from there. Nothing wrong with your question at all. bottom line is you want to stay just under the pinging point in any mode of operation & any ping you can hear is WAY too much.