383 timing chain

[Nebraska charger]

I've been struggling with a rebuilt 383 for months. Impossible to start,  no power,  won't start warm, takes a ton of timing.   Been through everything on the outside and now digging into the motor.  Compression was consistent across cylinders but low,  only around 90. My dad had the engine built by a shop but he has passed and I'm not sure what all is inside.  I know it has a purple cam and Keith black pistons. My first question is when I'm at tdc should the timing marks line up?

[Dmichels]

you may need to turn the crank over a few times as it will only line up every X? revelations. Some times cams are advaced or retarded a few degrees. What do you see? did you run compression check? Plugs wires carb type of ignition. We need more info

[dual fours]

For simple starters make sure #1 piston is at the top in it's compression cycle (both valves closed), crankshaft flywheel with TDC marks line up TDC, and distributor is at #1 firing position.
To TDC #1 piston on compression cycle, disconnect the battery (better yet remove the battery) and remove your #1 spark plug, place your finger over the spark plug hole, rotate crank flywheel with the correct socket on the crank flywheel nut, the correct rotation for the motor, and feel the pressure / suction on your finger, you want to feel pressure, when you feel suction you went past TDC. You want to stop when the pressure on your finger stops. That should be close to get her running.
Will watch here for other's input.  

[Nebraska charger]

The carb, ignition, and everything has been swapped out, with no change.  When the timing marks were at 6 and 12 I was running about 90 in compression. I'm thinking the cam is out of sync because I moved the cam gear a tooth cw and the compression came up to 140.  When I put a piston stop in #1, the timing mark on the crank gear was at about 11o'clock.  Should it be at 12 at tdc.  Sorry if this is a dumb question, dont know what else it could be

[c00nhunterjoe]

It sounds like you are in way over your head. Moving teeth on the chain is an easy way to wipe a motor. What state are you in. Possibility for you to meet up with a member for help?

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

With a stock timing gear set with the marks at 6 and 12 o'clock and the balancer timing mark at TDC the rotor in the distributor should be pointing at #6 plug wire. There are non stock timing gear sets that allow you to move things but, I really don't know anything about that kind of set up.

I'm with cOOnhunterjoe on this one you might want to get some help rather than make cut and try adjustments.