1995 Ford Probe, 2.0L--replaced blown head gasket, replaced lifters--car will crank but not start--has spark, compression and fuel. no codes--:banghead: don't understand why it won't start--any suggestions?

Squirt a little carb cleaner in the intake and see if it will fire.

already did that--it backfires

When you removed the head did you have to remove the valve timing belt ? Maybe the marks were not lined up after.

timing marks are correct per ONDEMAND instructions, as is the firing order

180 out maybe?

Distributor 180 out. Pull #1 spark plug. put #1 cylinder at tdc compression stroke(both valves closed). Is distributor pointing at #1 plug ?