What could cause this? 360 problems ####update####

I don't give a **** if you've installed 2746.5 cams and timing gears. There has been cases of them being mis-marked, and there's even been cases of cams being ground wrong. WE HAD ONE MEMBER ON HERE who could not get a new engine started and YUP!!! It turned out that somehow he had gotten ahold of a reverse ground marine cam
You sound like you don't believe that someone was able to install a cam and timing chain and not have problems.