RotaryPWR

So I just swapped a B18C (obd2a) into a 98 civic ex (obd2a) and am using the stock B18C ECU.

Having some issues at startup. When I first turned the key, I heard the main relay, but no clicking of the starter. The previous owner had a crazy ground setup, so I simplified it down a bit and made sure the battery connections were good. Again, no clicking. So I tapped the starter with a hammer and tried again..fired up for just about 2 seconds then died.

Now a few things to note:

On startup, the engine sounds pretty rough. I'm pretty sure there's an exhaust leak between the header and block, so that's hopefully not a big concern. I tightened the bolts to spec, so I may have to get a new gaskett.

There was a big fuel leak that was caused by using the B18C fuel filter. I swapped in for the D16Y8 filter, and no more leak. Don't think this is an issue.

I'm using the Y8 throttle cable and the stock B18C bracket & location, so there is a bit of slack. When pressing the pedal down, it feels loose and barely pulls the throttle. Obviously I have to fix this, but I don't think this would cause the engine to shut off after startup, would it?

I changed the timing belt and waterpump with the engine out of the bay. I followed a combination of the haynes procedure and an online DIY perfectly, and checked again and again to see that timing stayed perfect as I turned the crank. I think the only place I could've gone wrong was when I reinstalled the pulleys. The intake cam should be good as I made sure the timing & up marks were in the right position while the dizzy was positioned at the 1st cylinder position (bottom left plug wire). Crank was positioned at TDC using the white mark. I didn't find any procedure for getting the exhaust cam to the cylinder 1 TDC position though..I'm pretty sure it didn't turn much as I removed the pulley, so I set it back using the timing & up marks. How can you check to make sure the timing is correct on the exhaust cam? I also feel like the belt had a bit more play then I'd expect. Right between the pulleys, I could push it down about half an inch..I feel like it should be tighter than this (yes, I turned the cam 3 teeth and tightened the tensioner)..is this a problem?

I've read some issues about mixing up TPS & MAP sensor wiring. I labelled all wires as I removed the harness, so I'm pretty sure that's not the issue. I may try swapping them just for fun..

Pretty sure all hoses and tubes are connected properly and shouldn't be leaking, but I'll triple check..

Anyways, I'll continue searching around, but if anyone can help me out with ideas, I'd really appreciate it!!

Thanks in advance!!