Upset with Degree wheel findings

Your math is wrong... no consideration for the BTDC opening event. Also you should be at 226 if measuring at .050, not 213. No way is the process done correct IMO. If it is it's just by luck.

Coming up short on duration - Most likely because the tappet wasn't on the cam after you went past max lift. You have to push it down in the bore lotsd of time to get it back on the cam surface.

In your case with the valve opening BTDC, here is the math. Intake Centerline = (duration ÷ 2) – IO

You need to COMPARE the numbers you see on the wheel to the values written on the cam card. In this case the intake open at 6 BTDC and the intake close at 40 ABDC. For 226* duration at .050

The problem that you have is that those numbers will move. If the intake opens at 12 btdc, it will close at 34... you still get the same TOTAL 226* but the phasing of the cam in relation to the crank is WAY off.

No way would I button it up and try to start it.

He is just trying to check installed centerline.
I think he is referring to .050 as the degree wheel readings .050” on each side of his max lift.
He is not talking about the cam duration.