I am not that familar with the Accel systems, however, I checked the CALMAP instructions and they say to set the initial at 6 deg BTDC with bypass open.
http://mrgasket.com/pdf/ProRamSmall.pdf http://mrgasket.com/pdf/ChevyLT1.pdf
The second link covers both SBC & LT1.
Here is a blurb:
"In order to set the initial timing, the ignition bypass
connectors (white-one pin connector), incorporated into the
HEI leg of the main wiring harness, must be disconnected.
With the engine running hot at 800 RPM, manually adjust the
distributor to 6 degrees BTDC. Once adjusted, reconnect the
ignition bypass line. As soon as you connect the bypass line
the timing will then be controlled by the ECM. The spark
curve is preprogrammed into the ECM from ACCEL/DFI. It
has as initial timing of 20 degrees BTDC and a total timing of
34 degrees BTDC in by 3000 RPM. The timing curves, as well
as all other tables in the ECM, can be adjusted to better suit
your engines requirements using ACCEL/DFI’s calibration
software CALMAP."
HTHs,
RBob.