cam degreeing needed?

I agree with degreeing it. I put a purple shaft(484/284) in my old 383 using a MP chain and gear set. It was retarded 8 degrees when installed dot to dot. It would have been even more of a pooch had I installed it that way..lol. Plenty of good ideas here to come up with inexpensive methods to check the timing. Good luck with your toy!! BB A-bodies are a blast!!