[91 gt 5.0]

So I've pulled my engine, done everything I needed to do and have dropped it back in. I'm getting to the point where I'll hopefully be starting it tomorrow. My question is......how do i position the distributor so that it is within a workable range for the startup? Like where should the rotor be when the the pointer on the balancer says ATC for instance? I realize I'll need my light to set it for real, but this is my first time so I don't want to really mess it up.

[86gtconvert]

put piston at tdc you can do it by carefully using a screw driver in #1 spark plug hole and turn motor over in short burst.till its at the top,and screw driver is pushed out furthest..rotor needs to be pointedto #1 spark plug wire..if it back fires chances are its 180 degrees out..set the timing with a gun at about 5* adv and work from there asuming you have a H.O motor..

[ryans88gt]

At top dead center (i.e. both intake valve and exhaust valve are closed on #1 piston use a dial indicator to verify the TDC timing mark on dampener is actually TDC.

Now you drop the distributor and the rotor should point exactly at 12 O'clock.

Then just turn the base slightly clockwise and start it up and immediately set the base timing. If it will not start, try moving the distributor base clockwise or counterclockwise. Once it starts immediately set the timing.

[ujslost]

Note , #1 at TDC on compression stroke. Like ryan was saying.
I put my thumb over the #1 spark plug hole and have someone turn the engine over until the compression pushes my thumb of the hole slightly, then I bring it on up to TDC using the screw driver method.