Using an HEI is a game changer with these things. They tend to have a shorter mechanical advance curve and add a lot more vacuum advance
If I were setting up your HEI for the little 326 I would increase the mechanical advance curve to 11-12 degrees (22-24 at the crank), and reduce how much timing the VA is adding to 10-12 degrees.
This will allow the initial timing to be retarded some and add some timing at light engine load. Nothing will change for al total timing under load, assuming it likes, wants and needs around 39 degrees.
If it run fine at heavy/full throttle with less total timing you could simply retard the initial timing a bit, and modify the VA to add 10-12 degrees and try that first.
VA is your friend with these things and for a basically "stock" engine there is no reason not to be using it........
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73 Ventura, SOLD 455, 3740lbs, 11.30's at 120mph, 1977 Pontiac Q-jet, HO intake, HEI, 10" converter, 3.42 gears, DOT's, 7.20's at 96mph and still WAY under the roll bar rule. Best ET to date 7.18 at 97MPH (1/8th mile),
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