ok, just did a head gasket, and also put new timing chain guides in. It is all back together now but runs rough and can't get the timing dead on.

If i put the chain on the top sprocket 180 could it run rough or would it not run at all?

Just trying to figure it out before I tear into her again

 

u probably have the chain off a tooth or so, or u have the distributor in wrong

 

dist is set to #1.. firing in order.. if i move it it will run worse... i can change teeth w/o tearing the entire motor apart right?

 

well...
the crank chain sprocket, camshaft sprocket and timing chain all have marks on them that when installed properly are lined up, crank sprocket mark lines up with a mark on the chain and the camshaft sprocket mark lines up with another mark on the chain.
If the chain is installed properly, the next thing to do is verify the distributor is installed properly.... If the crank is at 0, both #1 cylinder rocker arms HAVE to be loose- no pressure on either valve. Then you install the distributor with the rotor perpindicular to the head and it should rotate counter-clockwise as you install the distributor and end up pointing straight at the terminal on the distributor cap which corresponds to the #1 cylinder's spark plug wire. Ideally, the distributor lock-down bolt will be in the middle of the slide in the distributor housing giving you some room to turn the distributor either way to compensate for a slack chain or other issue.