so i recently replaced all lifters in my 83 V8 305 berlinetta but to do so i had to take the distributor off along with the intake manifold.
now with everything back on, i can't get the car started again. just clicks a few times. it seems as though the timing is just bad, and doesn't seem to be that there's no fuel since i had it backfire once.

please HELP!

 

What do you mean by "just clicks a few times"? From the rest of your description, it sounds like you're cranking it over?
Here are some possibilities to get you started (no pun intended):
1) Your timing could just be way off.
2) The distributor could be off 180 degrees if you didn't drop it in at #1 compression stroke.
3) Your valve lash could be too tight, or too loose.
4) You could have some plug wires crossed.
And, putting new lifters onto an old cam is just a bad idea that can wind up doing damage to both.