If you do get pinging with 8x octane just use 91, 92, 93 with the advanced timing and youll be fine with the 7 deg advance.
Hook the timing light pickup to the #1 plug wire, jump the e1 and e01 diag ports, ground and power the timing light. Start up your car and let it idle to normal operating temp (probably around 700rpm for yours).
Loosen the bolt holding the distributor tight (there may be a second bolt as well) and turn it towards the right to advance the timing. Youll hear the motor rev faster and slower by turning it to the left and right. Youll find the timing marks pointing to the acessory belts on the lower left side of the engine. They range from -5 to 15 usually. You would want yours to say 7. When you have the timing set properly, tighten the distributor bolt and un hook everything you had connected.
If the MAF cog part seems difficult to you, do not touch it.