The intake lobe center(timing) affects the piston to valve clearances work
Any time I'm in doubt, I check it out work up
When you checked the P to V clearances where you using a solid liter with light pressure checking springs or one of the hydraulic lifters with the valve springs your running now? shruggy

Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)