As soon as i started reading Bert and Lonnie' s responses - it jogged my Memory on this subject.. on my 69 Camaro I remember running the cam Timing advanced.. It was the DZ 302 engine and had a copy of the "Stage 2" solid lifter camshaft. Being a short stroke - big bore version of the chevy small block it really liked to Rev. Running the cam advanced (variable keyway settings) made it more "street friendly" and restored some low end grunt. It still didn't really come alive until 4000 rpm though - but it helped. Funny how you forget stuff.

Got the bearings changed - was tough to pull the piston pin to remove the rod (one piece case) but got it.. Everything looks great inside and can tell it has very little runtime. Got a replacement prop driver almost done for the magnet mounting- so I can keep the "stock piece" intact.