Timing Q's

Okay, I've got my 351C back together, and the only thing keeping it from running now is the timing. I can find TDC and line the rotor up with it, and go to start it. It will start for a second or two, then dies out. The strange thing is that when I go to check the rotor, its no longer lined up. I recently replaced the timing chain, and I know that the chain dots are lined up ( I even re-took it apart to make sure ) I've tried all I can think of, so any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm kinda stuck, I just want the thing to be drivable. Thanks all.

The rotor doesn't line up with the number 1 cylinder or being 180 out. And yes, I'm checking this when its at the top of the compression stroke, i've pulled the first plug around 25 times to verify.
I know the fuel pump eccentric is back in, it is even spitting fuel out the top of the carb to remind me that it has fuel. It has spark, and I have oil pressure.
The rotor will Start off lined up with number 1 wire, then once the car is attempted to start, it sometimes starts for a second or two, then quickly dies. When I put it back to TDC and pull the cap, the rotor is niether lined up with #1 wire or 180 out. I hope I've made some more sense.....I don't know how else to explain it.