440 Won't start syndrome

Hi, I am having a small problem and been trying to figure this out with my dad but have hit a small wall on it. maybe someone can shed some light in this matter.:banghead:

We are having trouble starting up the 440. It seem to be backfiring through the carb. I checked and recheck the timing going from 10 degrees which didn't start, 8 to 7 degrees which starts but backfires then shuts off and now 5 degrees and still backfires, it won't run. I also notice 2 small things that maybe it might not run. the fuel filter doesn't fill half way it stays like a quarter of the way and to me the carburetor doesn't seem to be shooting enough fuel.

unless it is the Fuel pump (original to the car) that has to be replaced. Can a vacuum cause backfiring like the pcv not connected can a spark plug wire not connected be the cause of a backfire also, that has been going through my head with the Accel wires .

What are the symptoms of backfiring through the carb.

Here is what we did

- I did check the timing and left it on 5 Degrees before top dead center.
- 1# cylinder is all the way up
- it is on the compression stroke meaning that Air is pushing out of the hole
- distributor has not been moved, unbolted or removed because it started before
- Check and recheck all Spark Plug wires being the order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
- going counter clockwise
- New Spark Plugs + Accel Wires
- New Rotor and Distributor cap
- Gas in tank Premium
- new Clear fuel filter (so that i can see if it is shooting gas and if clean)
- New Holley Carter Thermoquad # 64-1436
- Battery charged


If anything i wrote is unclear please ask and i will try to correct it and will try my best to describe my problem. :newb: