When I had the engine apart I verified TDC using my dial indicator, then after I put the head on marked TDC on the pulley and the timing plate, so I’m confident their in alignment. Nevertheless, I trusted the advice of placing the cam dowel on the 2nd sprocket hole, though I was told that would advance the cam 4°, which is what I wanted. Because I was advised not to worry about degreeing the cam I trusted the process and set it there. What I was hoping to see was the cam sprocket cutout just slightly ahead of the static timing mark, but it was dead on. I tried placing it on the 1st and 3rd marks, but there was no difference, so I put it back to the 2nd hole and it’s been there since.
I’ve heard horror stories about those adjustable cam sprockets, so I’ll probably stay away from them, but the cam bushings sound promising, so I’ll keep those in mind for the future high compression engine. Right now I’m working with an 8.5:1 motor with a much better flowing head and a slightly more aggressive cam profile, so my margin for error is wide. Still, I wish I had more adjustment options when I had it apart so I could tighten my IVC angle ABDC in order to maximize cranking pressure. Confirming ICL according to the reported cam specs is all well and good, but I’m most interested in when my intake valve closes, which will become especially important in any serious future engine plans.
And of course… Thank you both for your help!