Need some input on this. I've got the car back together for the most part (for those of you who remember I've been re-building this motor that, when I bought it, was shot...) and I'm ready to put the intake back in, re-install the distributor, and fire her up.

Here's my question. I installed the cam with the timing marks at 6 and 12 o'clock, like the manual tells me, and after having adjusted the rocker arms, I have BOTH timing marks at TDC. I have re-installed the pulley and timing marker, and I'm not sure where I should have the motor turned to when I re-install the distributor OR which cyl. to point the rotor to...

...any input would be appriciated! Thanks!

 

once you determine that you're at TDC, the rotor should be pointing toward the #1 cylinder contact on the cap. That'll get you real close.

 

...how can I determine TDC with the heads on and the timing cover in place?

 

I usually just look at my timing tab in relation to the balancer, then put your finger in the #1 spark plug hole. blip the starter a little at a time. As your timing tab approaches 0*, see if you finger is getting sucked in or pushed out. at TDC your finger will push out, and at BDC, your finger will have suction.

 

You could also put a long phillip's head screwdriver into the spark plug hole, and see at what point the screwdriver stops rising. Oh sure, you might put a little scratch in the top of the piston; if you're that worried, use a long piece of old, stiff vacuum hose.

 

Or you could remove whichever rocker cover is easier and watch the rocker arms.

If you remove the left rocker cover, the #1 cylinder will be on the compression stroke at TDC when both rockers are in the closed position.

If you remove the right rocker cover, the #1 cylinder will be on the compression stroke at TDC when the #6 cylinder has one rocker (valve) in an open position.

When the timing marks on the balancer are at TDC with the #1 cylinder on the compression stroke, install the distributor with the rotor physically pointing toward the #1 cylinder location, as indicated in the diagram: