So long story short. VVT head, 94 block, MS3pro, Kraken, GTX2771R Gen2. LS coils wasted spark.

Running into issues setting base timing, AFter about -70 degrees of trigger offset, the pulley marks stop moving, and won't let me get the rest of the way. Marks stay about 10 degrees out. The leftmost timing mark on the pulley is T.
Verified physical timing was set correctly, also verified marks on crank pulley are correct TDC with the dipstick down #1

Pulled the valve cover and saw that I appear 1 tooth off on the intake cam. I corrected this, still having the same issue.



Is there something major that I am missing here?

 

There's no way you should need -70 degrees of offset to get it dialed in on a VVT Motor, your harmonic balancer may have slipped/failed if its that bad

 

Pulley could be an issue even if timing marks align correctly with a dipstick in #1 at TDC? If I set the offset to anything above -20 the car won't run, sputters and pops like the timing is way off.

 

I am unsure how badly a bad harmonic balancer will change your timing, I suppose it could slip enough to make the timing plate/balancer be that far behind if the rubber between the two parts fails.

 

Alright, I solved my issue.
I have a strong case of stupid and installed the trigger wheel backward. The raised portion should face the FRONT. Not the rear.

I corrected this and the car runs great.

 

Yep, that will definitely do it

Surprised you could even get it running with it backwards