alright, I want to try to do my timing set.



the reasons being,

-rough idle/miss,

-low vacuum (14)

-low compression (all roughly 85-90 psi. across all cylinders)

-poor performance, (i have to ease into the throttle, anything more than 3/4 throttle it will bog down bad especially climbing in 2nd gear on the ford-0-matic.)



carb is a brand new holley 350 cfm 2 barrel.

i have recently done all kinds of work carb, plugs, wires cap, rotor, points, coil, valve springs keepers and stem seals, and rings (that refuse to seat causing great amounts of oil consumption and blue smoke, BUT rather than diagnosing that as a cause, lets say that is a symptom of the low compression issue)



first of all, is my theory possible that my symptoms be related to a slacked/jumped chain?



second i see there are threads about how to install the damper, however i am curious if there is a special tool i need to remove it or can i use the one "for rent" at the local parts monger.



3rd my y block book days nothing about degreeing the cam is this something i should be worried about for a stock shoestring budget ride? i am not changing the cam just trying to get it to run right as it. and i know about the 12 pins at 3-o-clock alignment right side up not upside down as it shows in the book.



4th my y block book makes a big deal about getting the cover seal centered on the crank is this really a huge concern?