Fresh 355 TPI build. How do I initially install the distributor? I dont have a mark for where the rotor was previously. Do i just install it with the rotor pointing to the #1 cylinder? motor is at TDC

 

Point the rotor at the number one tower on the cap, you may need to turn the oil pump shaft if it is not lined up right.
Also remember that the rotor will turn a few degrees clockwise when the gears engage so put it in alittle behind where you want it to end up.

 

Which tower on the cap is #1? This isnt for an HEI distributor, its for a Computer Controlled remote coil 85-92 TPI dist.

 

Doesn't matter. Any tower can be #1 provided you have the harmonic balancer at 0 deg and the rotor pointed at that tower. Then just put the wires on in the proper firing order, (1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2). The traditional spot is about 4 o'clock for #1 when looking down at the dizzy.

 

well with that answer, it still doesnt tell me where to point the rotor.

 

Jesus H. Christ

 

Pick which terminal on the cap you want to be # 1 plug and point the rotor there.
Then put wires on in correct order as stated.

But is it on the compression stroke?
Piston comes to top twice per combustion cycle ( crank goes around twice / dist turns once ) so you may end up with rotor 180 degrees out if you line up rotor with # 1 if at TDC on exhaust stroke

 

Good point.

 

Diagrams showing firing order will also show where the #1 tower on the distributor should be. http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=...28cd8acda262ff

Here's one diagram from the link above. http://www.joby.se/corvette/misc/firing_order.gif

As was said it has to be installed in that position only when the #1 cylinder is at TDC of it's compression stroke.

If you haven't pulled the dizzy, or if you have reinstall it, but be sure it's completely seated, if it's not then it's not aligned with the oil pump. Once it's completely seated do the following:

1. This step positions the rotor while keeping the oil pump engaged; Loosen hold down and turn the distributor until the cap is positioned as in the diagram, tighten hold down and remove cap if the rotor isn't pointing at the #1 tower of the distributor cap as shown in the diagrams turn the engine manually clockwise until it is.
2. install the cap and tighten screws. Scribe, or paint a mark on the base of the distributor and onto the intake manifold.
3. Remove the distributor.
4. Remove #1 spark plug and plug the hole with a rubber stopper.
5. Turn the engine manually clockwise until the stopper is forced out by compression.
6. The timing mark on the dampener should now be to the left (passenger side) of the timing tab, continue manually turning the engine until the mark is aligned with the zero mark on the timing tab, the engine is now at TDC of #1 cylinder's compression stroke.
7. Reinstall spark plug & wire.
8. Install the distributor and align it to the marks you made.
9. Install the lock down and leave the bolt finger tight and connect all wiring.
10. Disconnect the "Set Timing Connector."
11. Start engine and set the timing.
12. Tighten hold down and recheck timing.
13. Turn off engine and reconnect "Set Timing Connector."

Hope I didn't miss anything.

 

Ok, so I think this makes sense:

As long as I am set on the compression stroke of TDC, it doesnt matter where the rotor points to, because now what ever tower it is pointing to, is #1.

I wanted to have the distributor wiring harnesses facing a certain direction for cleaning up the wires and to make it easy to swap out, wire in an MSD box, set timing etc.

 

Correct!

 

I wish someone had applied the vortec distributor cap design for the HEI sure would make routing wires easier and look good too.