Timing problems

The engine will run one, two, even three teeth off in either direction. The thing is, it will be way down on power. (sound familiar?) The least intrusive way to figure out if there is a mechanical cam timing problem, is to take a cylinder pressure reading. If it's low, theres a problem. Then you can take it apart, and fix it (or have it done by the shop that put it together). This is why every camshaft should be degreed. Even if it ends up going in "straight up" witht the dots lined up, there is no gauranty that the cam was ground properly (MP is one of the worst for accuracy). In any case, the cam will end up where the designer/builder wants it. Without any diagnosing, we're all just guessing, and you'll end up throwing parts and time at it.