I feel like a retard, but please help

[Deathray]

ok, heres the problem: I have a 240sx coupe with 260k on it, it has a new motor in it that has approx 60k on it. it will crank, spark, get fuel(smell it in the exhaust, havent done a pressure check on it yet) but will not fire. I just bought the car for $370, am planning on doing an sr or ca swap on it within the next three months but I would love to be able to drive it around since the interior and body are in pristine condition.here's what I'm thinking: I'm thinking that the distibutor got messed with and is now off of time. or possibly a lack of compression(will test tomorrow) due to a bad head gasket or possibly due to a burned/melted valve(gasp!), running or not I know that I got a deal so its not a big problem, but I would like to drive it as it gets much better gas milage than my truck. thanks for the help,:mad:

[GroundZero]

i'm thinking it's a sensor... check your maf. could be timing, but just out of curiousity... did you make sure to connect the trottle cables when you installed the engine? just thought id throw that one out there just in case.

[p00t]

go over your timing with a fine toothed comb. check distributor etc.

if it was compression it would start, but would run rough or have no power.

[Altiman94]

I'm thinking it has something to do with your timing/distributor. Compression wouldn't cause it to not start.

[DAEDALUS]

Get a buddy to crank the car while you check the timing with a timing light. Much easier and quicker to do than a compression check if you have or can find a light.

[MikeMurphy]

double check all your belts and chains to make sure they are all still in once peice.

[civics91]

make sure all ur wires are in the right place it soulds stuped but it made my life hell i worked on my civic for 3 months befor i thought of that one and thats all it was