Did you use the 0 line up mark on the gear as well as the 0 keyway? If not the cam to crank phasing will be "out in left field".

The timing mark relates to the crank position, the timing being that far off would indicate that your running way advanced. Is the damper the one that came on the crate engine? If it's an older damper the keyway on the damper may be positioned differently, and is giving an incorrect reading.

Good luck.