Odd 4K no start

[DK]

Very odd no start with my 87 4000. I have spark when cranking, new fuel pump
that works (primes) and I can hear the fuel injectors when lifting the CIS
plate. I can also smell the fuel when cranking after a while, and hear the
fuel pump relay activating when turning the distributor. Double checked
timing, which is dead on.
Very confused what is going, and why it doesn't want to start... I have the
Bentley but it is not helpful in this situation.
I am not sure if it is the ignition ping on the flywheel (as per bentley) or
something else? It is mentioned in the Bentley when replacing the flywheel,
not to bend the pins. On my 20020v it makes sense, as it has sensors there,
but not the 4k...?

Here are some recent changes/replacements I made to the car.
-clutch master & slave
-coolant temp sensor
-coolant sensor temp gauage
-replaced wires on the transmission (reverse lights not working, but other
cables where cut, so I thought might be something like a hall sensor or
something...)

earlier, about 2 weeks ago starting I thought the CIS had some troubles
keeping up, but after some troubleshooting it seemed like it had some
ignition issues... I reset timing and it started right up. So what it gong
on?

DK