Would refitting the cam chain allow me to reorient the flywheel?
Possibly, but it would be necessary to verify the cam timing by finding the "split overlap" position of the #6 intake and exhaust valves by degreeing the cam to be sure the correct timing of the #1 valves is present with the piston at top dead center. We do that on overhead camshaft racing engines pretty often after milling the cylinder head, which creates an error with the crank/cam timing marks. Do you have any access to a racing engine builder who might be able to explain the cam-degreeing process?
On further consideration, the position of the dowel pin in the crankshaft would have to be relocated, no matter where the timing chain is oriented. The error is between the flywheel and the pistons, not the cam. I believe some military 302's had a #1 cylinder that was not accessible, so timing was set on the #2 cylinder.
Jerry
