Not another timing question

[Brighouse-gti]

I'll try to keep this brief regarding setting the timing...

1. Set camshaft sprocket to TDC
2. Set rotor arm to TDC
3. Set crankshaft timing mark to 6 degrees before TDC
4. Do the whole getting engine to running temp, timing light n blue temp sensor jobby.

(Basically follow the infamous rubjonnys guide)

Which is what I did!

However, when I did this setup to my golf weirdly it didn't feel the same regarding responsiveness compared to how I set the timing originally?

How I did it was...

1. Set camshaft sprocket to TDC
2. Set crankshaft sprocket to TDC
3. Set rotor arm to approx 2mm before TDC
4. Didn't do the blue temp sensor jobby

When I do it like this my car feels like it pulls a lot better, more torque'y, although tbf it does loose some top end speed. It gets from 0-60 fairly quickly, and up to, ahem 70, what feels like just as quick, but its top speed peaks around 100?

Is there some boffin who can explain to me why this is? Am I inadvertently setting the timing too advanced or maybee even retarded. How does the whole timing adv/retard thing work? If i advance do i gain more torque at the loss of power and vice versa. I'm not the sharpest tool in the box but every day is a school day and I'm always looking to learn, so if anyone would like to fill my brain with some knowledge please feel free, and as always, thanks in advance, or retard

[Gambit]

Yes your timing is retarded so you get more torque lower down but lose top end. Its same principal as adjustable cam pulleys, allow you to swing timing +- 5 degreees which moves torques down or up the rev range.

[Brighouse-gti]

Awesome cheers for that! So going along with that does anyone have a good timing setup regarding timing advance, to get a higher top speed? How many teeth to move on which sprocket before or after TDC, and where to align rotor arm. I don't mind loosing some torque lower down the rev range as I have a fast road cam in, so when revs hit the 3000 mark it kicks in and gives it a fair old bit of umfff! Again thanks for any info!
(Fast road cam is a kent cam GS2H, 276 I think, if it makes a difference!)