Timing and Tune Up Q's

[msg]

I am working on getting the 350 running right and I am new to doing this.

The engine was ID'd as a 350 from a 1973 pickup from the casting numbers
Partial Vin: C5A146997
Engine ID Code: V0507TJH
Manufactured: Flint plant on May 7, 1973
Casting Code: 3970010
Engine type: 350
Year: 1973
Type: Truck

Carb: Quadrajet 17059206

...so with it being in my 66 I wasn't sure which forum to post this.

Here are some pics. I did take some carb cleaner today and clean things up but didnt update the pics yet. The open port on the carb was uncapped, but I did cap that today before running tests.




The issues I have been having with the engine mainly is cold cranking and holding idle. Takes a series of 8 to 12 cranks to finally idle. So checking the vacuum and timing is what I have been told to do, so I started today by doing the vacuum test from a port on the carb as well as a timing gun test.

My questions are:
Am I going about this the right way, in order to solve the cranking issue?
Is there a good process of elimination series of steps/tests I should follow?
Does anyone have specs on what this engine should be running, meaning timing, rpms etc?

VACUUM
I had it running for a while and then connected the vacuum gauge that read a shift between 14 and 15 inches. It was a slow shift that repeated. When throttled it dropped low and then came back to fluctuate slowly between 14 and 15.

I only ran the Engine Condition Test in the Vacuum Gauge instructions, havent gotten to testing cranking vacuum, PCV test, Distributor advance, Fuel pump test yet. I assume that I need to do all of these since the reading fluctuated between 14 - 15.

TIMING
I ran the engine a while til hot and pulled and capped the distributor vacuum advance and ran the timing light. The timing tab isnt marked but I assume that the timing was at 8 degrees BTDC based on other tabs that have marks of 2 degrees per 45 angle.

Here is a pic of where I saw the timing mark read.



Here is pic from another thread of what the tab looks like


Before I mess and re adjust something I shouldnt I wanted to ask you all.