Crowbie
Your questions are common for those learning. Why did you have to replace the lifters? Did you remove the cam when you did so?

A couple of questions to zero in on the problems:

If you removed the cam, did you align the timing marks on the chain/gears? If you say "huh?" then there may be a problem.

Did you re time the engine after you replaced the distributor? If you say "huh?" we may have a problem

Did you adjust the valves before you fired the engine? If you say "huh?" we may have a problem

Did you warm the engine and reset the valves? If you say "huh?' we may have a problem

Did you turn any of the screws on the carb? If you say "huh?'...
you get the idea.

Give us some more clues......