Just for the record, this...

... proves nothing. Without the intake pipes on, the engine isn't drawing air past the mass airflow sensor. Without the mass airflow sensor telling the ECU how much air its drawing in, it won't dump the proper amount of fuel and thus should not start (and if it does start, it will not run well at all). This type of diagnosis is only helpful on cars equipped with a manifold air pressure (MAP) sensor.

Glad you got it resolved though... the compression test should've been one of the first things you did after a rebuild though, that would've told you your timing was off to begin with. I was trusting that your engine was assembled properly, which, without the timing done right, it really wasn't.

Don't feel bad though, when I rebuilt my engine, I had the belt off by 1 tooth and it caused the engine to be laggy as hell (but it ran) and the CAS was adjusted ALL THE WAY just to get it to 15deg, which is how I knew the timing was off. And at least nothing was actually broken.

 

It ended up being the timing belt was not properly installed. This is something the Nissan mechanic friend figured I could handle on my own. Did I prove him wrong!!

I actually got the car back together yesterday and took it for a quick spin. I drove it about 50 miles today and rides and shifts better than my NA. I have to get some correct vacuum hoses to fix some leaks and get the fascia installed. It is so good to finally have her back on the road.

You can see some pics of the build at www.etsweb.net/greg/engine.htm.

Thanks for everyones help.

Greg