Corey,
To check the cam timing, you only need to remove the valve cover. Set the crank pulley at TDC. Be sure to use the correct mark, they are a little confusing. The dowel pin in the cam gear should be lined up with the arrow cast into the first cam journal.
The shop manual has pretty detailed diagram of reinstalling the oil pump so that the distributor lines up properly. (line up a mark on the pump body with a mark on the shaft) If you follow it, you will have plenty of adjustment.
When I set the timing on an engine, I set it by total timing. This is what the engine sees in races. Initial timing is only a reference point. IIRC, with 6 degrees initial, the total timing at 4000 rpm was 36 degrees. With 15 degrees initial, it goes to 45 at 4000. I know it seems contrary to common wisdom, but the dyno seemed to like these numbers also

Hope this helps..
Jim
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by ITA240 (edited July 07, 2004).]