The crank got turned clock-wise, though it went against what I thought was right. My buddy was very sharp about stuff like that, so I went with what he said (on our stocker). Seems he was wrong.
My crank gear must be marked wrong. I checked several times to make sure I was lined up with the "A".
I have the tools to do it. I put it on 108, what MP recommended. It was easier because the engine was on a stand, and the intake manifold wasn't on. I did it the way I did this time, because it has hydraulics and I didn't want a bleeding lifter to throw me off, nor did I want to pull the manifold to put a solid lifter in it.
I did it to try to help it pull harder on the track, as I mentioned. I guess I'll find out the cam being retarded helps!
When I go the changes will be: the cam retard, taller tires (26 to 28), a vent whistle in the primary side, and the jetting I had in the summer (72-75 instead of the 74-77). So that's too many things. I can always play with jets and take the whistle out, but the tires and cam are, of course, staying.
I didn't expect this to get so involved. I'm no technical writer, so it's hard to follow.
Thanks to all who helped.