Top dead center

WHATS THE BEST WAT TO DETERMINE TOP DEAD CENTER???When I was in high school many , many years ago if I remember correctly I was tiold when your finger gets blown off the#1 spark plug hole as you tap the starter your there .I will be installing my new engine next weekend and need to know what most people do to determine tdc

To find TDC for timing purposes, you're exactly right. "Blow" #1, and set the pointer.

Finding "true TDC" is a bit more complex.

Jim