Stout Edelbrock headed 445! Likely would be able to help for with more info, compression, cam, planned fuel, use etc.
However I am surprised it liked 36 versus 38+ but it must have decent compression and tight quench. Typically, I go for run 14-16 initial, but nothing wrong with 18+ if the starter can handle it hot. Spring it to get it all in by 3000 and you are being conservative for fuel, but not so conservative it will build heat. It likely would be very happy at 2700 or so and some vacuum advance on top of that. However, as I said, more info will help steer you
In my 489, 10.7:1, Edel heads, pre-EFI I ran 14 initial, 38 total, all in at 2750, now it fires at 10, and immediately goes to 20 then has sort of a 3D curve, so hard to compare, but your current thoughts look good. Check back with more info and we can tweak it