Ok, this is starting to agitate me... I put a new intake manifold, head gaskets, and all that crap on my gta.. got it all put back together, adjusted valve lash, and everything like that. It started a couple of times when we went to cheap the timing.. horrible idle.. sounded like I had a huge cam in there... could barely hold an idle... Now, the next day, when I go to start it, it turns over, but wont catch... I checked all the plug wires to make sure they are in the correct sequence and everything, all checks out.. even turning the distributor 180degrees thinking it was installed backwards... no go.. any ideas? any things to check over.. maybe a list of connectors to check, etc.. thanks, I need to have this running again by sunday night

 

I've done this more than once so it might work for you. I know you have set the valve lash but it still might be to tight. What I did when this happened to me was this.....Its a little messy. Back the rockers off a turn or two. Start the engine and they will all be clacking. Try tightening them untill you here the click stop its tough cause theyll all be clacking. Then go a 1/4 turn. I know this is not the proper way. But it will at least let you know if thats the problem. Now Im not assuming your not mechanically inclined, but you do know that when setting the valve lash there is a specific sequence and cylinder order you follow? Just checking. I've screwed it up more than once myself

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1987 T/A GTA 5.7L, Bored .020 and ported for .202 valves, edelbrock headers, flowmaster exhaust, JET STAGE II chip, Comp CAM, Adjustable fuel pressure, Airfoil, K&N filter, B&M stage 2 shift kit, and a home depot ram air(Hey it looks good and it works)

 

Sounds like a timing issue. Adjust the distributor until it fires up and runs nicely, and if it doesnt match your balancer I wouldnt be the least bit surprised. I would try that first before going in and adjusting rockers, I really doubt thats it.