Distributor Install

[Ratboy9]

I built my first motor recently. It is all BRAND NEW, except for the block, which I had magna'd, bored over, and other stuff done.
I got some advice regarding the installation of a new MSD distributor into the block. The problem is, wherever I check, the instructions say to set the old distributor to the #1 cylinder and make a mark. Then drop and re-drop the new distributor until the rotor points to the mark.
Problem is, this is a totally new build and there is NO DISTRIBUTOR to use as a reference! What do I do to get the new distributor in and know that the rotor is pointing to the correct terminal (#1 cylinder)?
One guy said to have the rotor pointing towards the ACTUAL CYLINDER-nothing to do with the distributor terminals- just pointing to the location of the #1 cylinder on the block and then use that location as the #1 cylinder on the cap and then correspond the rest of the terminals with the firing order.
Can anyone help me finish my first project?!!!?!
Thanks a million!
Steve

[Z15]

I reread you post again and think I now understand.

They are talking about where the number one spark plug wire goes into the distributor cap. Mark that on the distributor, then drop in so the rotor points to it.

[mdcamaro]

This is simple.

Remove all spark plugs.

Hand crank engine untill the timing marks are in the correct position.

Make sure #1 piston is up. The rockers should be loose on #1 and tight on #6

Drop the distributer in, make sure you have swing room for the vacum advance.

Pull the cap see where the rotor is. That is #1.

If you want to change it pull the distributor out and use a long large screw driver to spin the oil pump shaft a little at a time untill the distributor drops where you like.

Then use one spark plug and the #1 wire and ground it to the exhaust manifold.

Turn the ignition on but do not crank.

Turn the distriubtor gently back and forth untill the plug fires.

Stop the distributor exactly when it fires, tighten it down and your timing will be near perfect.