wet or sooty black thats a problem. You knock sensor wont keep it from starting. Compression wont keep it from starting ( unless you dont have any). you are on the righ track with your statement " i have fuel, spark (?) and compression" then it should run. you need the spark at the right time....
disable the fuel pump ( pull a fuse or relay) pull your CAS, but leave the harness attached. pull a plug, but leave the coil and harness attached. ground the electrode on the plug, turn key on, spin CAS with you fingers. spark plug should spark.