Just use a plastic T on the tubing going to the distributor for the vacuum gauge hookup. Since you are using manifold vacuum that should give you exactly what you need to know. As for ported vs non-ported, I've tried it both ways on various engines over the years and always end up using manifold vacuum. Whatever works..
Pretty impressive that you don't have a pinging problem with that cam and C/R. Must have been built right. I wouldn't try to run too much vacuum advance though. I have a 14 deg can in the Lemans and 10 deg in the T/A. All engines are different but I know 20+ deg vacuum advance would be asking for trouble in my engines and they are milder than yours.
Suggest that you concentrate on setting the advance to optimize performance and drive-ability, and then take a look at cooling capacity if it still wants to run a bit hot. Trying to force it to run significantly cooler by adjusting advance is probably not a realistic goal.
Not sure if it is any easier, but another sure way of checking to confirm an early block is the bolt holes for the engine mounts. The early blocks don't have the additional holes needed for the various 70's style mounts.
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1969 Lemans vert, matador red, 462 CI, 3.07 12-bolt posi
1974 455 TA, admiralty blue/red interior HPP "cover car" - sold
"The best way to show a car is to drive it"
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