firing problem

[camaro0281]

first time post and need a little help with 91 birdy. i rebuitl a 3.1 just so i didnt have to change any wiring or computer. everything is installed and barely starts. i had changed fuel pump, filter, and gas to kick things off. it did sit for 5 yrs. replaced coil. checked timing several times. made sure it was tdc, num 1 valves closed and rotor facing num 1 cylinder. with timing mark on the damper lined up. the only time itll start is when i turn distributer all the way counter clockwise. and it sounds like only two cylinders are firing cause it sounds like a damn model-t ford. i will have no fords on my property. i took the num 4 plug out and it was wet with gas. i went to check what kind of spark i was getting and it was orange spark. i did use the old distributer which was rusty and real stiff to turn. checked ignition control module and now i suspect pickup coil. the reference pulse fins were rusty and a couple were bent out so i bent them back. dont know if that has something to do with it. tightened rocker arms to zero lash and thats it. the called for another 3/4 turn and didnt but ive put motors together before without even valve lashing them until motor was running then did the fine adjustment. on 3.1 you cant take the valve covers off unless you take intake off. so made sure and triple checked my zero lash with cam lobes at closed position. the other thing is the exhaust is only connected on 1 side dont know if that has something to do with it.

[wrightz28]

I would repalce all the 'rusty/bent' componente and double check that the wires are in the correct firing order.

[jwineb]

the 3.1 i am working on when the number 1 pistion is at tdc the number 4 pistion is in firing position

[big dwag]

I know this is going to sound stupid, but i was having some trouble getting my 87 camaro to start after putting the dis back in i had #1 piston up to, i didn't take off the valve covers to much trouble, but after messing with it and doing everything i could think of it still wouldn't start. the reason why is because it was a 180 out. meaning # 6 was trying to fire first. picked the dis up turn it around drop it in #1 place and fired up.

[jwineb]

this is a 1990 3.1 in the book it said when number 1 piston is tdc the number 4 piston will be in firing positon