[Steve Vague]

I posted a shorter version of this (Harmonic balancer question) on both this and Factory Five forums. I am still seeking ideas. I apologize for the legnth of this thread, but want to relay as much relevant info as posible.

I am replacing my EFI ('80 302) with carb set up. Prior to removing my old distributor I want to set timing at TDC, #1 (Compression). However the TDC mark on my harmonic balancer is 180 out when #1 is at TDC, and the distributor rotor appears to be severely advanced/or retarded at either or 0 or 180 (it so far off I am not sure) at best. This harmonic balancer is not symmetrical, thicker on the side with "hash mark" (I suspect this may be typical, if not perhaps this is unique as well). Where it "thins out" it has no markings, but this is 180 degrees from "TDC Mark". Any ideas? BTW, I fully realize how unlikely this scenario is! Like, how does this thing even run? But it did! I also realize that I can set my new distributor at the proper position. However, before I do that I want to understand WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?

Since I am replacing so many items in this conversion I really want to reduce the unknowns.

I have tried to verify the identify of the engine, (just in case it is not as represented to me) and to figure out why it is such a strange bird. This car has so many unusual emmisions and related factory TBI sensors (for a 1980 vintage) that I am baffled! The only numbers on the block are (at the right front corner of engine block, #17 on top of #80). On the top of block under intake manifold, (#16 and #80). My Haynes Engine Book does not
reference these markings.
Has anybody else ever experienced a similar scenario?
Thanks in advance for your input.