How are you checking the timing? If you put in a new crank, you had to remove the timing belt. It could be a tooth off in either direction and cause this type of starting issue. Also, the crank/cam timing on these is quite easy to get wrong due to the confusing marks on the cam and crank wheels. Try rotating your distributor all the way one direction ( retard ) then the other ( advance) and see if it wants to start easier. Did you just pull the Crank out through the oil pan or did you disassemble the whole engine?