350 engine. I have no compression in the #1 cylinder.

Here's what i have done to it:
-Head swap
-new head gasket (torqued to spec)
-Just got done redoing the valvelash (for the 3rd time...)
-replaced 2 piece rear seal

I understand that If you tighten the nut on the rocker arms too tight then that can be the reason but I even kept them just a little (and I mean little) loose just to be sure that wasn't it. I don't know what else it could be, it ran fine before I messed it up. Tomorrow I'll check the other cylinders to see if there's compression. Anyone got anything I can try?

 

You've already nailed it; you've set the lifter preload wrong and valve(s) are being held open.

There's a specific procedure you need to follow to get it right. Best one is called the Intake Closing/Exhaust Opening method. There are other methods, but IC/EO is the most often recommended.

Clue: The lifter MUST BE ON THE BASE CIRCLE OF THE CAM LOBE WHEN FINDING ZERO LASH.

I've posted a long, detailed procedure on several Forums on how to it as STICKY'S. It may be here, too - I've just forgotten on how many Forums I posted it.

Jake

 

 

figured it out I had the valves like EIEIEIEI instead of EIIEEIIE stupid stupid stupid

 

not stupid you learned from it. Now you have more knowlege. Not stupid. You didn't know something, and now you do. No problem

~Couch