OK need a little help here.It is almost time to drop my new engine back into the car. What is the correct way to re install the distributor. Motor is now a 383 but that should not make a difference. Thanks guys

 

Bring #1 up to TDC + your base timing. If you want 8* of base then bring it up to 8* BTDC. Put the cap on the distributor and pick a terminal that you want to make #1. Mark the location of the #1 terminal on the distributor housing. Take the cap back off, drop then distributor and line up the rotor with the mark on the housing. Snug it down and put the cap/wires back on. Fire it up and put a light on it. It'll be close but you'll have to dial it in with the light.

 

Dialed in has you all dialed in.

 

What do most people use as a base ?