Timed right?

I have a timing issue with my 327. A fresh rebuild, I have installed TRW pistons/rings, Smog heads, RV Cam, Holley 650 carb, Edelbrock performer intake mani, and MSD elect ignition w/spark box. My issue is when I got it all together I started it up and it just didnt have the punch I expected. I decided to be patient and install my new 350 THM Trans, although it added an extream difference, I still wasnt convinced thats all it had. So I started messing with the timing and sure enough the thing felt great when it was about 8 degrees BTDC. I was crushed thinking I just rebuilt this and I messed up somewhere in timing, so I ripped it apart, retimed everything, and put it back together (making sure everything was perfect). When I started it again it acted exactly the same. Is this something others have run into? should I worry? Please advise.