Did you align the distributor/rotor correctly when you installed it, i.e timing marks at 5*BTDC for efi, or 0* BTDC for carb, making sure the #1 valves are loose(just like when you adjust the valves), with the rotor pointing straight up and the distributor adjustment range centered on the bolt hole? When you slide the dist. in, the rotor should rotate about 45*(10:30 if it was a clock) counter clockwise. Doing it this way will almost guarantee the engine to start on, then time it with the vacuum lines plugged.
