All this timing and valve adjustment confusion is mind boggling. This used to be basic stuff that any high school drop out could understand. I can't tell if those are flat top pistons or not. I would check the deck height and if it isn't 0 decked I would ditch the thick head gasket and run shim gaskets like the factory did. If it is 0 decked then those Fel Pro gaskets would be perfect. Maybe the cam installation should be double checked so might as well see what's under the timing cover. If the dots line up it should be close enough to run fine. Degreeing the cam is the preferred way if you have the time, especially if the cam is unknown. If the cam is unknown I would seriously consider doing some cam shopping. Then adjust the valves, drop the dist in correctly and enjoy.
So heads came back and no issues with those. Here's a video of the noise it was making. https://www.facebook.com/derick.brownridge/videos/a.10215496635063391/10216621942195366/?type=3
Well that's a new one for me. I have heard lots of lifter ticks and carb popping but I have never heard that kind of popping. That's coming out the carb? It definitely sounds like a mechanical/metallic metal on metal tapping slower than the rpm's. It must be a cam or valvetrain problem. BUMMER! I'll have a drink for you.
I really hate to question another man's valve adjustment but I think a severely mis-adjusted valve train could cause your issues too. I'm hoping that metalic sound isn't a valve kissing a piston. So you got your heads back, everything was ok so that is a plus, have you installed them yet?
Well I haven't reinstalled the heads yet im going to change ot the cam since im already there. My dad has a general kenitics cam he got a while back and it's just been sitting in the closet. Once I get it all back together I'll update the thread. Should be early next week since I have to drive to VA this weekend and get the cam.
I just saw this video recently. It makes perfect sense to me and is a lot simpler than the IOEC method that I have used all my life.
This idea a very good video and my lifters should be in today. First thing I was going to do was soak them like my dad taught me. Not any more I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the heads up.
So got the water pump and cover off today. Remember how I was saying the timing was 180 out. Well the pics attached will explain why. Notice #1 is up TDC.