Hot Rods Some starting help needed

We ( in my high school auto shop class i teach) put a crate motor in my 1954 chevy truck everything is new . And it has spark, has fuel, choke is automatic, and it won't fire up for nothing . Just cranks and cranks. No backfires , no sort of "wants to start" moments .
Any ideas? Tricks, or anything? I'll take any suggestions. I've probably tried most but

 

#1 up on compression / firing order correct ?

 

Does it have cranking compression ? Test it with a guage.
F A S T --- fuel air spark timing

 

What engine ?

Fuel pump actually pushing fuel up to the carb?
Distributor timed 180* off?

 

What he said......... start with the basics.

 

Flooded/plugs fouled?

 

Double check your spark plug wire placement.
Especially if it was a student responsibility.