I rebuilt a 2.8L V6, 1988 vintage. I finally managed to get it running, but when I have the timing mark lined up right it runs like garbage. If I adjust the distributor cap until the engine runs more or less smoothly, then the timing is way off, like 120 degrees.

So, the question is, what did I screw up? I'm thinking that I managed to get the rotor out of phase. Any suggestions?

Get no one piston at TDC compression stroke.
Then point the dist rotor to no one plug wire.
Does the crank timing mark read/point to TDC cover mark when the piston is at TDC?

Some times the crank damper mark may be sliper/off or two sets of marks.

Thanks, MT. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to get in there and do TDC and check the rotor alignment. Someone also suggested I check the plug wires again and make sure they are in the correct firing sequence.