[frnkeore]

I assume that your working with a bolt on cam gear and not a press on?

If so, this is how you can time the cam. turn the engine, until the valve are both open, the same amount. You can do that with 2 indicators or, you can use a straight edge, across them, if the margins are the same (indicators preferred).

Then, with the #1 piston at TDC, slide the cam gear into place, on the cam. If the holes line up, the cam will be set, at or very close to "split overlap" or the other term, is "straight up".

If it doesn't line up, you'll have to off set it, to get the correct timing.

Nothing new, I learned this from Chet Herbert (of roller cam fame), when I was very young.