installing distributor

This is how I do it. Put the timing mark on 10 degrees BDTC. Find the #1 terminal on the distributor cap and drop the distributor in with the rotor pointing at #1. When you get ready to start the engine, remove the #1 spark plug and lay against a good ground such as the block, turn the ignition on and slowly rotate the distributor opposite the normal direction of rotation. When the get a spark at the plug, lock the distributor down and the engine should start. Most of the time I don't even have to move the distributor when checking it with a timing light as it is usually right on the mark.