initial timing?

[66StangGuy]

i was wondering what you guys would suggest for timing. Not sure what octane gas i want to run but i have 87 89 92 where im at. also is there a big dirrerance between 87 and 89? i usally put either 87 or 92. i have ben told that set initial timing to 14-18 degrees before TDC (while running the motor at 2000 RPM) and check the timing again at 2000-3000 rpm and see where the timing is at. Should be around 45-50 degrees before tdc. sound good to me but i would like more specific numbers and what octane to use.

I know a lot of people ask this question but iv tried what others tell me and it never seems to run like it should.. sometimes it runs good at low rpm and then i have power loss after 4000. other times it runs good but i have problems starting it like its pinging or something.

also does anyone have a adjustable vaccume advance canister and know what direction with the allen wrench is advance or retard? i currently have it 6 full rotations counter clockwise and it seems to run pretty good.