Never just go dot-to-dot and assume you are good or when you see if off a bit assume that someone advanced the cam. You need to time the cam if you want it right. Mine was off a few degrees when I installed my timing set dot-to-dot, after putting a degree wheel on it I got it perfect.

 

straight up will work but you should degree it while you are at it.
dialgauge and degreewheel can be got for about 50$. for that you have ripped it all apart I wouldn't skip this step.

as JMD already set, this looks too far off for being an attempt to degree the cam. and fully agreed, start with straight up installation and degree from there

 

Curent status: Installed new gears with dots aligned. Checked cam with degree wheel before and after. Before was at 127 degrees. Seemed way out of line. After installing gears with chain, 110 degrees. More reasonable. Did not pull cam to see if we could determine the specs. Thank you all for your input. I really appreciate it.

 

how many miles are on those Pete Jacksons?