Remember that when you have an open spark plug hole in the cylinder head you are pumping fuel/air mixture out when cranking the engine. Kinda pretty at night when a spark hits it. Also kinda dangerous if standing in front of the hole.
Are you sure the plug wires are plugged into the distributor cap in the right sequence?
I found this link. Don't know if it will help, but might be worth reading for inspiration.
http://home.earthlink.net/~8ntractor/ignition.html