The #1 cylinder comes to TDC twice- - -once on the compression stroke and again one turn later when the exhaust valve is closing and the intake is beginning to open. Be sure #1 is on the compression stroke with both valves closed, install the distributor with the rotor pointing to the #1 plug wire, and turn the housing clockwise until the points close. Then turn back CCW until they just barely open and lock the housing down. The ignition timing will be close enough to get the engine started. Once the engine starts, bring the speed up to a fast idle and tinker with the timing until you get the smoothest run- - - - -usually somewhere in the 10-15 degree advance range.
If you're breaking in a fresh rebuild with a new camshaft, run the engine for 20-30 minutes at a fast idle to establish the proper running relationship between the cam and lifters before doing much low speed idling. I use a big squirrel cage blower in front of the radiator during a break-in run to keep things cool.
Jerry
