340 Timing / CAM Issue

Damn. I am thinking about sireland67's approach. Slap a cam and lifters in it and see what happens. I am going to try doing a little mig welder buildup on the manifold...got nothing to lose. Keep it cool and build it up slowly.
No water in the oil (I know what that looks like) but like I said the engine hasn't been really run since the "rebuild". Or so the seller said. I will likely stay with the SB so parts are reusable if the block turns out to be crap.

You cannot fix a cast iron manifold with a mig, it has to be pre-heated and post-heated and welded with nickle rod.
Just buy an aluminim one used on this site for about $100.00.
You might be able to pick up a used cam and lifters here for next to nothing,
I agree with Rusty on the pressure check, but a running project is better than a push around project.