It's common for them to spit a bit while they're cranking if the timing is off. As you get closer they may also sound like they're barely turning over as the starter "grunts" to keep it going. You pulled the distributor, which totally blew the timing as you are likely many degrees off from where it was originally. Try twisting the distributor around to see if it will catch. If not, and if everything is there (fuel and fire), then you may have to statically time the engine to get it in the ballpark. Let's hope you don't have to go that far because it's kind of a hassle, though.
I'd start by turning the distributor so as to advance the timing because it sounds like it may be firing after top dead center. If it's grunting (barely turning over) that's an indication that it's too far before top dead center, so you need to retard it a little at a time.
Once you get it running you'll need to put a timing light on it to get the fine tuning right.