Originally Posted by nak1954
Ok I'll make sure to use the BB again for initial timing. My manual, and other places, say to get the motor to tdc and use the u/c mark on the flywheel, then drop the distributor in correct orientation.

#1 cylinder TDC (U/C mark on the flywheel) on a compression/firing stroke, as described in the Shop Manual.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1954truck/54ctsm1232.html

How did you determine #1 on firing/compression stroke?
(the crankshaft rotates twice for each firing stroke - you have a 50/50 chance the U/C mark is a #1 firing stroke ).

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.