Help please - Cam timing experts

Sounds like the OP has several issues. One is he needs to verify TDC. Use a positive stop in the spark plug hole. Turn the engine by hand clock wise until the piston touches the stop. Mark the damper. Turn the engine by hand CCW until the piston touches the stop. Mark the damper. Measure the distance between the two marks and divide by two and there is where true TDC is on that damper.

Next, he needs to put the engine on TDC #1 cylinder, in overlap (so #6 cylinder is firing) and look at the valves on number 1. If the intake valve is open more than the exhaust, the cam is advanced. If the exhaust is open more than the intake the cam is retarded. If the valves are off the seat the same, that cam is in straight up.

That doesn't say the cam is in correct to the card, but you will know where it is.