i checked my timing and pulled out the connecter and the car stalled not right away i guess about 2mins . it's set at 21 with the plug in and 12 with it out. i had just enough time to check it with the plug out. it has the stage 1 trick flow package.
That can happen - it depends upon the car, idle setting, mods, operating temp of the motor, etc etc. I would make some adjustments if you can so that this does not happen though.
12 is a good starting point. You can go higher as long as you don't have detonation. Higher isn't always better though, some cars react better to different timing. You pretty much have to play with it and see which your car runs best at.