I just bought an lb9 iroc with the intake off. The previous owner said it was blowing steam so he took it apart to clean it up and fix it. I putback together today and dropped the distributor back in. I hear the fuel pump turn on and it turns over but it wont fire. It will almost start (just a slight stumble) in about 3-4 second intervals. Theres also a strong gas smell after I crank it. Could I have put the distributor on wrong (I went by the marks the previous owner put on there and it looks identical to my l98) or is there a trick to getting a TPI to start after its been taken apart? I'm thinking its more of an ignition problem than a fuel because of the gas smell. Any help is appreciated...

 

Do a search for how to put the distributor in time. It may be 108' out or one tooth off.