timing advance

[cscott]

have a 48 chief that runs the same if not worse when the timing grip is turned at any speeds, have checked all the timing and its right on, iam wondering if who ever put the bottom end together might have the cam gear 1 tooth off? does anyone think this is possible before i tear it all down, or could there be another reason, thanks chris

[gerry]

Are both valves closed and tappets free when the timing mark is in view? They should be. If the valves are opperating properly then the cams are installed correctly I would think. At this point the breaker points should just be opening. Make sure the distributor cam is on the same cylinder you are timing. Small lobe is the front cylinder. Large lobe is the rear. This should be done with the spark control grip advanced all the way.