Timing question - plugging the vacuum advance hose Options

[john_g]

I have only had experience using John Muir's static timing method with VW's, so am not used to the strobe light procedure for the 914. So, I have a number of questions:

1) To get a starting point, using a static timing light or voltmeter, what's the static timing mark to use with a '74 2.0 engine - 5º or 7.5º?

2) Before using the strobe light, some instructions say to remove the vacuum hose from the distributor, others say to remove AND plug it with something. What's correct? And, if I plug it, do I plug the hose end or the connector to the distributor, or both? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Thanks.