Was the old eng doing the same? If so what is common between the two? Did the new to you eng come out of the same year?
Are all the sensor wires conected?
Do you have the plug wires in the right location? ( have to ask)
Is the timing correct?
No damage on the cap or rotor? ( have to ask)
What about the coil, is it still good? Nothing left in the air box? ( rags, leaves etc)
When you do get it to run, if you give it gas will it stay running? and not idle?