Quote Originally Posted by jerry clayton View Post
Well I'm assuming a couple of things---checked tdc with dial indicator----sooooo, I assume the heads were off???? and since your so far off on the timing that you indicated where the piston topped out at???Not a positive stop type indicator????

your using the correct firing order??? and what year timing gear do you have on the crank???they retarded the cam timing in early 70s with different keyway position
I don't recall retarded camshaft timing on the FE but for sure on the 385 engines(429/460) which was 6 to 9 degrees, depending on your info source.

This sounds like whoever assembled this engine got the chain/gears off a tooth or two