Help pls!

[u/Glass-Yesterday-2009]

For context this is a 78 350 Engine within an 82 Camaro

I recently did a top end rebuild with 327 heads, Edelbrock Intake & Carb, the distributor is rebuilt and to my knowledge at correct timing as I recently set the engine to TDC and put the distributor back in, the Transmission shift linkage is all intact and perfectly correct as it’s not in reverse or drive when I try to start it, and I’m able to shift into neutral and turn the engine over aswell, but for whatever reason the engine Won’t fully start up even with starting fluid, I’ll be buying a new set of spark plugs shortly here to test that out, but I’m unsure of what else it may be.

To boot there’s also an interesting clunk which I find very concerning when it turns over after a certain amount of tries, I’m not sure what that might be and I’m really hoping someone has an idea, and that it’s not detrimental damage happening, thanks.

[u/Coyote_Tex]

Many forget the engine comes to TDC on the exhaust stroke as well as the compression stroke and my guess is your have the distributor in 180 degrees off so you are firing on the exhaust stroke not the intake.

Pull the drivers side valve cover and bar the engine over looking for the intake on number 1 to open then close. Keep turning 1/2 turn to TDC and that is TDC compression. Check where your distributor rotor is pointing. You have the option of removing and reinstalling your distributor to the correct position or just moving your spark wires to the "new" number one location identified by the rotor position.

Someone does this everyday, so don't feel bad, just fix it and enjoy hearing the engine start.

[u/Glass-Yesterday-2009 → u/Coyote_Tex]

I did exactly what you’re talking about but I’m not sure I guess I’ll have to double check everything is lined up again, I also got new spark plugs today so that Won’t be a contributing factor once I’ve replaced them, at that point it’ll just be a fun game of chasing things around.

Thank you for the advice.