Engine requires 20 degrees of initial to idle well...
How nice of an idle are you expecting with that cam ?
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Like that! 360, same cam a bit more compression at 9.3-9.5:1, 16 initial IIRC.
He still hasn't addressed some important issues is my guess. I'll say this, you've had the opportunity to address and verify some important details regarding this deal and my guess have taken the easy way out. Just install stuff and button it up.
Did you degree the cam while having the front ripped apart? Where was it installed with the old chain and the new one? Did you change it from the recommended installed ICL?
I've had some EXPENSIVE chains be 8* retarded when installed dot to dot! Whether it was the chain, cam or combo of both, it was a clusterf*ck.
No way, no how should the idle/vacuum be bouncing/surging like that. I bet if you pull the plugs again, they'll be BLACK and fouling!