I've recently replaced my timing chain and was about to set my advance when, suprise the plugs aren't firing. I know this because the #1 plug doesn't spark when it's hooked to the wire/grounded/and the engine is turned.
Is it possible the starter is drawing too many amps to supply the coil and distributor enough power or could it be the distr. itself?
the starter likes to make a loud squeeling noise every now and then if you turn the ignition too far. I know this is long winded, thanks for taking the time to read it and hopefully reply. THanks

Make sure you reconnected all the ground cables and jumpers. The only thing I can think of that may cause loss of spark is a ground jumper that wasn't reinstalled when you put the front of the engine back together.

Did you do anything else while you were in there? Did you take the distributor out or remove the coil? If so, you may not have reinstalled the wire from the starter solenoid that feeds 12 volts to the coil while the engine is cranking.