Distributor installation

[Challenger in NC]

Guys,

What are the basic steps for distributor installation? This is a new engine build so I am installing distributor for the first time.

- I believe the #1 piston is close to TDC by rotating crank and feeling pressure out of spark plug. Quit turning crank when pressure stopped. I think the valve (closest to front of engine) for cylinder 1 had just finished closing. Don't remember if this means cylinder is @TDC (for ignition) or @TDC (exhaust).
- The intermediate shaft was installed and fully seated with slot parallel, as shown.
- Installed distributor and rotor is at the position shown.

What else do I need to check for proper installation?

[1 Wild R/T]

Your close... I prefer to feel the compression then start watching the timing marks... Stop at around 15 degrees BTDC... Slot alignment is good.. Rotor is correct.. Line up the tooth of the reluctor & the center of the pickup & tighten the distributor...

[HP_Cuda]

This may help you out. There are 4 phases to a 4 stroke motor as outlined in the graphic.

It looks like you are close but maybe a bit retarded. TDC is on ignition.

[1 Wild R/T]

Pick one or the other, IMO watching the valves is confusing this discussion.... If the very front valve was in fact moving your 180 degrees out... Just feel compression then watch the timing marks..... 

[HP_Cuda]

More knowledge is better than less and everyone should know the difference from an intake valve and exhaust.

[1 Wild R/T]

More knowledge is better than less and everyone should know the difference from an intake valve and exhaust.

I agree to a point... But the learning takes time & having the car ready to go for a drive today can be very satisfying...  So get it running, have a beer with a friend & contemplate/discuss  valve overlap.... 

[Challenger in NC]

Guys, thanks for the info. Let me clarify (or perhaps confuse  ) my comments, so bear with me. I thought I was close to the piston reaching the top but was not exactly sure where I was in the cycle, close or 180 degrees off. I didn't have the timing mark tab installed and couldn't remember which side of the timing cover it mounted so I was watching the valves, which is probably not a good thing to do. Anyhow, I believe based on the timing marks shown, it is close to TDC. It appears I need to rotate the engine a tad more, loosen the distributor housing, rotate to align reluctor and pickup and then lock it down?

[1 Wild R/T]

By your timing mark the engine is at about 5 degrees after TDC so really you need to rotate the engine a tad less.....    If you were to want to watch the valves the thing you look for is the point the exhaust valve has just about closed & the intake has just started to open.... Both valves are ever so slightly off their seat.... That is called split overlap & it occurs 180 degrees out from TDC of the compression stroke so the rotor would be pointing straight away from where it currently points....

[HP_Cuda]

Glad to see you finally came around Wild.

Heh.... sometimes the simple explanation doesn't work.