new 340 engine start up questions

Make sure it's not 180 degrees out of time. Did you install the distributor with the timing chain marks at 6 0'clock(top gear) and 12 0'clock(bottom gear) -OR- 12 0'clock(top gear) and 12 o'clock(bottom gear)? If it's wrong, you will wipe all the cam lube off by the time you figure out why it won't start.