My $.02... Since you mentioned timing... During this build, I figured out that the oil pump shaft has a tiny pit/hole right above the gear that when lined up with another hole on the oil pump and valves 1 and 2 closed, timing is right on. It's retard proof, GO NISSAN!! I finally got my engine back in the Z last night, tinkered with it this morning and got it running flawlessly in about 5 minutes. Good luck with yours. Long live L28.