Rebuilt 318 install problem

did you verify TDC with a piston stop?
what distributor are you using?
What method did you use for setting it at 10°?

TDC- I did not use a piston stop. I've used my finger and a compression gauge to be sure I'm on the compression stroke and then used a long screwdriver and a coat hangar to be sure I was at the top of the pistons travel.
Distributor- It is just a rebuild factory HEI
10 Degrees- I am using the timing tab and advancing the balancer mark by hand to the 10 degree mark and then lining up the rotor to the number 1 plug wire.