I built a 400 small block with Vicktor Jr intake, Holly 650 double pump carb, edlebrock alluminum heads, and complete MSD ignition w/ distributor about 10 years ago and after I put it in the car I moved out of state. Well, I'm back now and just got the car running after 10 years and noticed water was getting into my oil. So I replaced my intake manifold gasket and like an idiot I forgot to mark the distributor.
My problem is that after I put the distributor back in I can't get it started, I either get back fires or end up with a two foot flame out of my carb. Here is what I did, After I found TDC I put my distributor on with the roter face same general area it was before, then I put the cap back on and wired it with the number 1 over the roter and yes the wires are wired correctly(I checked 3 times). It doesn't even come close to starting,can anyone tell me where Iscrewed up?

leting a camaro set for 10yrs thats were you went wrong lol,it sounds like it could be 180 out,but i'm no expert so i coudlnt tell you sorry,hopefully somebody else chims in and can help you a little better.

Even though you found TDC, the distributor could be 180 degree out (the old dragon trick). Make sure the #1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke, not at TDC on the exhaust stroke. Reason being that the enginehas to make two revolution for every revolution of the distributor rotor.