[lust4speed]

Originally Posted by TRADERMIKE 2012

Mikes Reply:...We performed the degree wheel like this , with the Heads removed we installed the dial indicator over the high portion of the Piston top. We determined the top dead center as the piston came up to its highest point. The number one Piston and the Hydraulic Lifters are on the Base circle so, the Valves are closed on the compression stroke. We have Initial TDC. Attached wire hanger and pointed it over the Degree wheel zero mark.

Turned the motor clockwise, the direction it turns in naturally, and 360 degrees later where at zero again, no slop in that direction. Now we turn CCW for 360 degrees and we end up on 1-1/2 degree advanced at the Crankshaft....

All you confirmed is you have a respectable 1-1/2° slop in your timing chain - nothing more.

Did you arrive at TDC by taking measurements at .050" before and after TDC adjusting your wheel to arrive at true TDC? After you establish true TDC then you need to find the ICL by the same .050" before and after ICL and record the measurements. Then you can finally figure out whether your cam is advanced and by how much.