What R Pope said....I set mine at TDC also, but make sure it's on the compression stroke. Set intake and exhaust. Turn the engine 90 degrees and do the next in firing order. Continue till they are all done (two complete revolutions) 24 and 26 is quite a bit, but I have had cams that required that...and yes, they're noisy with that much. Why does your friend have roller rockers but no locking nuts?? You need them for sure.