Valve Timing Question

[John Van Valkenburgh <jvan@nando.net>]

Hello again,

   I am happy to report that the MGB engine rebuild is about finished!  I 
had a problem earlier with oil pressure, but after many suggestions from 
the list, I fixed the oil pump gasket and all is well.

   I ran a compression test today and I measure 180 lbs +- 5 lbs on each 
cylinder.  After adjusting the timing, the engine is beginning to smooth 
out, but still runs rough with a distinct lack of power.  I suspect that 
I'm still having carb problems, but I do have a question.

   If the valve timing were off, would I still get strong even 
compression across all 4 cylinders?  Its my guess that good compression 
shows that the valve timing and valve settings are all fine, but I'm 
curious what everyone else thinks.

Thanks!
John Van Valkenburgh
Raleigh, NC   1970 MGB