There seems to be no direct answer to a very simple question. On a 350 5.7 (mine happens to be a Vortec) Do the timing marks go cam at 6 o'clock and crank at 12 o'clock or both at 12 o'clock. I understand with the heads off this doesnt matter, both #1 and #6 are TDC at this time. However I just want to ensure that I am not 180 out when I install heads and distributor. #1 was TDC compression stroke when I took it all apart and nothing has moved. I installed with both at 12 o'clock as I always do, just want to be sure I haven't been mislead this whole time. With both being at 12 when I install I should have the distributor set to fire on #1, correct? Thanks guys.

 

Both dots at 12:00 for #1 cylinder to be ready to fire.

We install the timing chain set with cam dot 6:00 and crank dot at 12:00 to make it easier to line up and be 100% sure they are not off any. This puts #6 in the 'ready to fire' position, At this point just roll the engine over 1 full turn and cam dot would be at 12:00 and crank at 12:00 because the cam turns at half the speed of crank