so i have a ej which ive swapped a dohc engine into, the engine turns over and kicks la ittle bit like it wants to start but doesnt seem to have enough mechanical energy..electrical is fine..

ive tried re-doing my timing 3 times and engine gets CLOSE to startinfg up.

If my Intake cam is off by one whole tooth and the whte line on my crank pulley isnt completely lined up with arrow on my block, would that cause my engine to not fire up???

 

You are speaking w/ you trying to set it to TDC right. The engine should start with timing set like that but it would have major lack of power. It sound as if it were missing. I strongly suggest before going any further to fix your timing and get everything aligned properly before going any further.

I would prolly replace the belt and tensioner at least.

After that check batter voltage tranny ground make sure you do have the problem amount of juice to get it started. How is your spark. Good strong spark or kinda weak.