1985 Camaro Z28, crate 350 GM Goodwrench
Edelbrock performer intake
Edelbrock 1406 performer 600 cfm carb
HEI non-cc System
New Accel Plug Wires
New Delco Plugs

I'm having problems with the timing. I finally got the car running after 8 months of problems. Now I get it running.. with more problems. The enging runs good, and sounds good, but when I put a timing light on it it's reading about 20* out. This is with the vacuum canister disconnected. Any Ideas? I try setting it back down and I can get it to about 14* without it beginning to stumble and want to stall out.

 

Have you checked to make sure the 0° mark on the balancer is correct to TDC with the no.1 cyl ? Or the timing tab is in the correct spot ?
The mark on my stock 91 is 4° off, the outer inirta ring has slipped over the years. It could be possible you just have a bad balancer which, while the car is timed right, makes it look way off. I've presonally seen the outer ring spin almost 180° off and start touching the timing cover.
Just my guess..

 

well I was kind of hoping that myself... The car seems to be running fine as far as i'm concerned. The mechanic that's been looking at it said it may be a tooth off or the timing chain may need to be reset, but to me this makes no sense... crate engine should be ready to go. (mind this mechanic isn't ase or holding any certifications)

But oddly I have checked cylinder # 1 with the valve cover off and at 0* both valves are completely closed... so it's not making sense to me...