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 ).