[1795]

Not meaning to ask a stupid question, but you do have your valve covers off when you are trying to find TDC on number one right? Was not sure if the picture you showed was in relation to finding TDC, as the valve covers are on. With the distributor in place and spark plugs out, rotate the crank until the intake valve opens and then closes and the exhaust valve is still closed or just starting to move. That is TDC. Notice where the rotor is pointing. Place your cap on and make sure that the rotor is pointing towards the spark plug wire going to the #1 cylinder, If it is not, then you need to pull out your distributor and turn it 180 degrees so that the rotor is pointing towards the #1 cylinder.

Check with your builder to see how much advance he has set on the engine. You want to focus on the base timing (timing at idle) and then once you get that close, you can worry about adjusting towards the full advance. It is very difficult to try to get the engine to run if your focus is on the full advance timing. How low is your idle? With enough advance your base timing will be high and it will run rough at idle. You may need to increase your idle.