Rebuilt 396 BBC start-up problems

[3DFORMULA]

Ok,
We got a '68 427 Vette that we removed the stock running 427 motor
from. We installed a rebuilt 396 purchased from, Schumake or Schumacher,
which lives in Groveland. The motor was rebuilt BY Mullvains shop. So
everything should be of believeable quality. Both being around awhile.
We have tried to start motor with no success. We have double checked timing and it all seems correct. Also have checked the valve position with #1
piston position, and other valve positions, and rotor position, and balancer
mark position, just everything seems to be legit where it belongs.
We have minimal compression(PLAIN AND SIMPLE). It will not even blow our finger out of the plug hole(ANY CYLINDER).
I could go on with some more small talk, valves, rings, head gaskets,,,I just need some Intelligence to pipe in here and help us out.

[rlsracing]

So you were able to phase the distributor properly, then? If you're off one tooth either direction it won't fire.

How are you checking timing if the motor wont fire?? Are you talking cam timing (degree wheel)?

If everything checks out mechanically, then I'd be looking at possible electrical issues. Is it an HEI ignition?

[3DFORMULA]

We are getting fire. Not really checking the timing, I meant that we had checked all the components to visually see if we thought that the motor was assembled legit. #1 piston topped out, rotor points @ #1 plug wire(7pm position), valves are closed on #1 and #8, intake valve is open on #6, timing mark on balancer looks to be there. It just looks like everything is close enough to at least stubble but start. There just is NO compression there. It will not even kick a spitwad out of the plug holes.

[turbofreek]

i had this problem with a new engine years ago. it was cold just like this and just counldn't find anything wrong. so i was suggested by somebody to try to heat the spark plugs tips up and try it again. it fired when i did just that. ran fine there after. was a big block aswell.fwiw just a thought and its a free thing to try.

[99redragtop]

hydraulic cam? roller? sounds to me like valves too tight.

[Gear_Head]

hydraulic cam? roller? sounds to me like valves too tight.

I agree...

[3DFORMULA]

Hydraulic, thanks for some hints. Probably be in contact with ya 99redragtop