How to set initial timing with engine out

[mooktank]

how the hell would i go about putting my distributor in at the right angle when the engine's out? Do i put it at TDC then point the dist towards the #1 spark plug just for an estimate or is there and exact way to do it?

 

[5.0Droptop]

put the piston at tdc compression stroke. If you look at your cap it has a number 1 on it for the #1 plug wire to go on. You aim the rotor at the number 1 plug wire.

 

[mooktank]

ok sweet thats what i did. haha. noyce. The 351 is goin in the truck this week. Wow im pumped. Its gonna have some torque compared to the weak little 302.