Finally able to break the cam in. I was having an issue with a lifter not rotating.
I'm using an ol' points distributor to temporarily run this engine. First the points were pretty worn out. I had to file them flat and then set the gap at 0.017". Next I static timed the engine to about 10° BTDC. Then I started the engine and with my museum piece Sears engine analyzer, I measured the dwell at 28°. I haven't set points in 40 years - it was a fun trip down memory lane.