Higher might be better!
You might find that a slightly higher idle 850+ (what the data plate recomends) will give you better starting.
On my 96 5sp, If my idle drops much below 800 it will take a few revolutions to start. If I keep it at 850 or up it starts the second I hit the key. Also, it starts with no smoke.
With a manual, the higher idle helps drive with no throttle starts.
Idle is pretty easy to set and experiment with.
jjw
ND