2nd generation C10 V8 (suspected timing issue)

[CYLASBELKNAP]

I have a 2nd gen chevy C10 with an HEI that is currently not starting. I think the original problem was the distributor cap which has since been replaced, however, the distributor was pulled out to test and I think it was put in incorrectly because the engine was spitting fire out of the air intake intermittently and backfiring.

I found top dead center on cylinder 1 and adjusted the distributor so that the rotor was hitting the post for cylinder 1, however now only cylinder 1 will fire.

I tried turning the cap counterclockwise to adjust the timing but so far I have only been able to get cylinder 1 to fire.

I don't think its a problem with the plugs because they were all firing before I messed with the timing and I have checked the order if the spark plug wires several times so I know those are in order. but I'm wondering what else I might be missing.

My current plan is to pull the distributor again reset cylinder 1 to TDC and then try again but I am not sure that this will actually fix the problem.
If any of you have dealt with similar problems I would greatly appreciate any light that you could shed on it.

 

[cole in mo]

Be sure tdc is on compression stroke, not exhaust stroke, and gm's #1 cyl is front one on drivers side with 1 3 5 7, other bank is 2 4 6 8, you probably already know this, but.