Well . . . seems like your timing should be "close-enough", and even just pouring gas down the throat should give you some sputters - I'm getting skeptical that something else isn't going on!
1. This may sound stupid, but forgive me: Are you sure the plug wires are in the right order, ie: 153624? And that's going clockwise around the cap, BTW.
2. Definitely time for that compression test. I think a couple cylinders with valves stuck open can wreak havoc on your vacuum in the manifold - poor atomization, and no running. Think you said the valve train looked good, but I'd still like to see a compression test . . .
-Michael
