To find TDC with a helper near by, hold your thumb over #1 spark plug hole and have your helper crank the engine. When you feel compression, stop. Now stick the straw in the hole and slowly bring the engine up to TDC watching the straw and timing marks. Then follow Ed's instructions. This will save you the time of pulling the valve cover. If you have bump starter switch, you can do it by yourself.
You should have 17 to 20 inches of vacuum, the cam is the only item you listed that will effect vacuum.
Joe
