I have a 22re that has a timing under zero and I can't retard the distributor anymore. I checked the top dead center and it is lined up. The distributor is at #1 at top dead center. The #1 piston is up. So that is good too. Somebody help me out.

 

Do you have the pan off along with the valve cover? If so check your blue links on the timing marks. Its off once every two rotations or so because of the different diameters of gears. I would take off the timing cover too but the work is starting to add up. Have you checked to see if you are off one tooth on the distributor gear?

The intake valve closes as the piston rides up the bore so it can build compression.

If you are sure that #1 TDC is reached both valves should be on the camshaft base circle with the exhaust lobe coming up to open next. I think you are off on tooth retarded, so you have no power.

If you bump the chain, walk the engine over with the spark plugs out to check for interference.

Are you sure the coils in the distributor are good? there are two.