Today is the day,
I out to the garage to install my ebay parts, an Edelbrock 1406 carb and the Edelbrock Performer intake. I used my brand new handy dandy Sears timng light and got the timing set so she runs like a monkey on fire. Of course I cant mark the distributor postition as I am not using the same intake. Question? Does the distributor only drop back in one of two ways, as in a keyed slot, or could I be off a tooth or two when reinsertng it? I know it is a stupid question and I will know the answer when I pull it, but I am just trying to stay out of trouble before I do.

Thanks in advance

Bill in RI

 

1. Get the engine to TDC on #1 (Typically the rotor will be pointing at the post in front of the connectors on the drivers side, unless someone has been screwing with it) Make note of where it is on YOUR car.
2. With the cap on the distributor put a mark directly under the #1 post.
3. From that mark measure counter-clockwise 2-1/4" and put another mark.
4. When you pull the distributor and look down the hole you will see the end of the oil pump drive shaft. It has a slot in it and it can be turned to any position that you choose with a long screwdriver.
5. With your engine still at TDC on #1 after you install the intake manifold the fun begins.
6. The oil pump drive shaft slot needs to be pointing at the rear inside valve cover bolt (Non Vortec) (or the #5 intake pushrod).
7. Now you are ready to insert the distributor.
8. Set the contact of the rotor directly over the mark you made 2-1/4" back while holding the distributor in the proper orientation for your #1 (on the drivers side in front on a stock OEM position).
9. As you lower the distributor in the gears will engage and the rotor will start to turn clockwise.
10. When fully seated into the oil pump drive shaft and sitting on the manifold the rotor should be pointing at the original #1 mark you made.

When I did mine I actually preset my timing to 12* BTDC on the timing mark and did what I listed above. I double checked that the rotor was over the #1 mark on the base and snugged the clamp bolt so the dist would tun by hand.

Put the cap on and you will be ready to rock and roll.

PS: Mine fired on the first crank and I only missed the timing by 2*
Now everyone can tell you where THIER #1 wire is and yes you can make any post #1 just observe the firing order:

 

What fl-rider said above is good. Disconnect your battery so there is now way the starter will accidentally engage and turn your engine over. Use a marker to mark the cap-to-dist location. Also when you pull off the cap, just don't remove any of the plug wires, use a wire or bungee cord to keep it all out of your way. Mark where the whole distributor is in relation to the hold down bolt (different intake will have the same bolt hole in nearly exactly the same place). Mark (and take a picture of) where the rotor is pointing. When you pull it out it will turn 30* or so CCW, there is a gear on the end, not a "notch/slot" like a mopar. Take a mental note of where it's pointing after that rotation, that's where you'll position it when you drop it back in. Use contact cement to locate the intake gasket so it doesn't shift when you're putting it on/tightening it down. What you're doing is exactly what I did a few weeks ago, it took me a couple hours and I didn't have any problems.

Oh, one more thing! If your manifold bolts are also used to hold other stuff on (throttle/trans brackets, etc) it's a good idea to remember them when you bolt the intake back on. Don't ask how I know this...