Any "Best Practice" for installing distributor?

[Mike Phillips]

In the past, when installing a distributor in a new motor I usually install the distributor with rotor pointing towards #1 cylinder.  Since I'm going to be cutting and fitting the sparkplug wires from scratch it's probably all relative but thought I would ask to see if anyone has any better methodology?

[Lt.Del]

if it is a new engine, they are usually pointing to #1 cylinder on fire stroke.  So, might as well continue that practice....check to see if #1 piston is up and put the distributor in anyway, just ensure the rotor points in the direction of where the #1 will be when cap is placed on.  Then just put the wires on.  If you have vacuum advance, ensure if you have some play room to adjust timing where the diaphram wont hit up against the firewall and your vacuum line to advance is long enough.   Aside from that, it doesnt matter how the distributor is placed in.

Each has their own way to break in a cam, but, most of what I read and done is to maintain the rpms initially at around 2,000 for about 15 to 20 minutes. Don't forget that. 

[1976Scottsdale]

Leave the driver side valve cover off and watch the valves.  Wait for the exhaust to open and shut on number one and then watch the intake open and close.  Then be watching your timing mark and stop it on 0 degrees and drop the dizzy in starting a little before the number one spot so it will rotate in as it drops.  It may not seat all the way down but once it is set you can turn the engine with light pressure applied to the distributor body until it drops into place.  Then set your vacuum advance ball to about the 6:30 to 7:00 oclock position. From there it should be pretty easy to get it to fire up.  Remember, number one is the second terminal after the square box on the right side, not the first.

[Lt.Del]

Remember, number one is the second terminal after the square box on the right side, not the first.

?

It doesn't matter which terminal on the distr. cap goes to which spark plug.  No matter at all.  Just ensure the wires are in the correct firing order, you can start #1 where ever you want on the cap--as long as the rotor points to it when #1 is on firing stroke. 

[1976Scottsdale]

Remember, number one is the second terminal after the square box on the right side, not the first.

?

It doesn't matter which terminal on the distr. cap goes to which spark plug.  No matter at all.  Just ensure the wires are in the correct firing order, you can start #1 where ever you want on the cap--as long as the rotor points to it when #1 is on firing stroke. 

This is true. But should one choose this method don't let anyone else touch it once you are done because everyone has their own preferred location for the number 1 plug wire and they never think to check how you did it. My reference location is supposedly what GM uses at factory, but I have seen all 8 plug posts used for number one.  Like Del said, it don't matter none so long as the wire lines up with the rotor.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Another thing i might add and you may already know this, but for those who dont:

After you get the distributor intalled, and if it is an HEI unit, when you go to time it please DO NOT hold it/turn it from the top;  i would recommend turning it by the vacuum advance cannister or turning it from the body of the distributor.

This is to avoid serious shock.

[Lt.Del]

yeah, stewart, same thing goes about fiddling with plug wires while the truck is running.   You may end up like Michael Jackson.