[Wayne 962]

I would bet $10 that this is a timing problem. Pop the valve cover and use the valves to figure out where TDC is (number one should be closed at TDC). Then check your distributor again. Recheck the wires one more time. I once made this mistake and had the same problem.

The fact that it's popping means that it's trying to fire - which means you have compression somewhere. Double check that the rotor is pointing to the notch in the distributor when the distributor is in the case. It rotates slightly when you install it.

Put a timing light on each of the wires and watch the spark as it cranks. Remove all of the spark plugs but one, and see if the engine is slow when it cranks over that one cylinder. This will check your camshaft timing, and also verify quickly that you have compression.

Sounds like a timing problem to me. Recheck your spark plug wires...

-Wayne