You'll probably have to drop the distributor shaft into the engine on a different gear tooth if you want to make the cap clips align to a preferred position and still get the timing set right, or walk the wires around the cap one position. The BB/pointer position is a good way to do initial timing, followed by a road test for finding the final sweet spot. Doing the vacuum gauge thing is a poor substitute for having a good timing light, and setting the total timing advance at cruise speed with a delay flash light is the best way I can think of. Have fun!
Jerry