A good way to get the timing close enough to start is to keep the #1 plug out of the motor, but in the spark plug wire boot. Leave it grounded on the block so you can see it spark, with the distributor loose and key on rotate it until you see it spark.
Since you already have the motor set at TDC that will be close enough on the timing to get it to run. Snug the distributor so you can still move it and adjust timing, then tighten it.
Also - as said above, verify you have fuel pressure (with a gauge) Vortechs need something silly like 60psi (going off memory, don't quote me) to start.