440/500 Cranking issues

Ok, long story here. I have a 68 Dart with a 440 30 over, 440 source 500” stroker kit (Balanced) , Stealth heads , PRW bushed roller rockers, stock pushrods ( geometry looks good travel on valve tip good ) Hydraulic Comp Cam XE295HL-10 . TTI long tube 1 7/8”, B&M around 2800 stall 727, 323 Gear 8 ¾ Rear. Never got a piston to deck measurement.I estimate 10:8 Comp. I have 175PSI cranking compression.

The machine shop was reputable but the Owner, not the person who built it closed shop.

The Problem.

Motor always a little slow cranking when cold starting. Real slow cranking when warmed up. I could only set timing to 8 degress max due to hard cranking.

This motor really runs good but with my cam choice it’s noisy. Another story. It’s a driver but ran 11.7 ¼ mi. just driving it there and not opening hood.

I’ve driven a few years but then I was having to jump it when warm and it got worse fast. I was hoping the hard starting and header heat took its toll on the starter. Well starter replacement didn’t help.

Yes a trunk mount Batt. 1 ot positive and grounds, check all connections and feel this is not the issue.

I pulled the plugs and when I crank motor with a rachet on crank I’m getting a tight spot and an almost rubber sounding squeak.Maybe bearing?

I currently have no garage but have been using my Dad’s but my other brothers use it as well so I have to act on this soon. I am dreading lifting the body off the Motor,Trans ,Kframe. But will if it comes down to it to pull apart the motor.

So here’s what I’m thinking. I already checked the Dizzy , I will confirm TDC on balancer. Check for timing chain slop, Then maybe remove rocker Assemblies and trying turning (plugs out) to eliminate Rockers and or spring issues.I know with the motor out I can remove one rod at a time to eliminate what rod bearing it could be if any .

I am open to thoughts and suggestions and I’m grasping at straws at this point.

I know I probably have too tight of a clearance somewhere Bearings or not honed enough. I don’t have the knowledge a lot of you guys have so any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.