Distributor install help

[Justins72]

Im replacing my the distributor to an MSD pro billet one. When I removed the old one I had the rotor lined up exactly on the number 7 cylinder of the Firing order. When I installed the new one it now lines up on the number 2 cylinder of the Firing order. Can I just make the #2 on the new cap of the MSD number #7 and work my way around following the correct Firing order? Also it says in the instructions that if it doesn't line up that I may need to rotate the oil pump shaft. When I looked down the hole its meshed with the camshaft and looks as if the camshaft would need to be slid forward in order to rotate the distributor gear.

[72cudamaan]

That would work, but it would be better to put the engine on #1 compression stroke. That way in the future you don't wonder what's going on.

[dodj]

That would work, but it would be better to put the engine on #1 compression stroke. That way in the future you don't wonder what's going on.

You actually lift the gear you see and then turn it and then let it spiral back down into place.
You can re-arrange the plug wires as you suggest and it will work, but I would index the gear instead. 

[Justins72]

Alright, I wasnt sure if that gear would just come out. Any tips on getting the gear out?

[72rtchallenger]

a good telescopic magnet works for me,,sometimes you may need a long screwdriver to help move it back and forth  untill it frees up

[jimynick]

You could also take an old metal clothes hanger and cut off a chunk, bend a small hook on one end and slip it under the edge of the gear to help pull it up. Make sure it goes ALL the way back down as it re-merges the hex drive in the oil pump. 

[Chryco Psycho]

I usually just wind it up out of the cam with a large screwdriver