I'm not sensitive. If you see something is up, I appreciate you letting me know. The bore in this case is good to go. It's just oil and lights. I put a good coat of oil on everything and it makes it look like hell. Damn VA humidity would turn it into rust in an hour otherwise.

Hmmm... Possible it's just another grind? There's no question about it being in right this time. I know, famous last words. I have pics lol Let's say it is 2* retarded. How do you think that would affect performance? In theory I'd just have slightly more top end and a little less in the lower rpms right?
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...fbf797f7d9.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...5faa4bd07a.jpg

You bought a multi keyway timing set and cam degree tools for ?

Merc also install their bbc ‘blue motor’ Crane cams 5* advance.

More midrange, less overap after top dead center, to name a few reasons, I’m sure.

edit: calcs were off. I just realized I didn't subtract for ATDC.
I advanced my cam this morning. Here is what I came up with moving the crank sprocket 2 degrees advanced.
Looks like all is right with the cam world now.

Duration @ .050" (2* crank advance)
Exhaust 49-5+180=224*
Int -2+47+180=225*
Valve opens
Exh 49*
Int -2*
Valve Closing @ .050"
Exh -5*
Int 47*
Valve lift
Exh (.284")
Int (.284")
Max Lift. 482.8
CL
exh (167+63)/2=115
int (63+167)/2=115
LSA 115*

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...3862676e6e.jpg

I checked the real ptv clearance and squish tonight. I threw a light spring on the intake and a once torqued down head gasket that's the same as the ones I'm running. .102" int PTV and .066" squish.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a1a9a5bded.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...2bbb8b9d30.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...fb6a44b5db.jpg

Can you explain how you calculated the 109* ICL? This is what I calculated. I was calculating lobe c/l I thought. I calculated it by coming down .050" off the max lobe lift (.284").

CL
exh (167+63)/2=115
int (63+167)/2=115


Also, why did I need to advance 2*? A stock timing chain doesn't add 2* so does that mean they're all running retarded?

Finally found the time to finish her up. Went out tonight and she's running like a champ. Brought her up to 35, but I didn't want to push her too hard yet.
I started her on the hose and broke her in then changed the oil and filter. Set the timing to 8°. I have a short list of things I want to dial in on the boat, but I can finally enjoy her at least.
Thanks again to all you guys that helped out.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...2e61dad9c2.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...704d90613c.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...c861c12b7e.jpg

Sweet

why is the head gasket out of round?

It's just the way they're manufactured. Good question though. I'm not sure why they do it.

^^^^^^ thats how they are,its the hiperf. set up for when you bore notch the block.it allows the valves to be unshrouded and flow more air and exhaust.