I NEED HELP

So a buddy and me swaped the timing chain on my 89 nissan hb. Its got the Z24 w/ the 8 spark plugs. So we got it all together but now it doesnt want to start. The batterie was dead so we somewhat charged it, but it wont start. he says its the timing thats bad but what if it isnt that what else could it be? any help please.

its more then likely the timing off. i did mine last summer, had to get the timing close just to get it to start. its still off now but it runs and gets me around everyday.

Thanx mike, i got it.