Whatever you do - Avoid long cranking on a newly rebuilt engine that doesn't start right away!
You don't want to wipe off too much assembly lube on the cam lobes/lifters before engine oil can get to it!
I saved this Initial Timing Check a while back:
Pull the valve cover, and watch the #6 cylinder rocker arms.
Turn the engine over slowly by hand until the exhaust valve is almost closed and the intake valve is just beginning to open.
The #1 piston will be at top dead center, or very close to it.
Turn the distributor housing clockwise until the points close, then turn it counterclockwise until they barely break open.
You can find that point by touching the distributor side connector at the coil with a test light with the ignition switch turned on.
Turn the dizzy clockwise until the light goes out, then back it up until the light comes on.
You'll be "static timed" close enough to start and run.
This way you can check when the ignition fires, regardless of flywheel marks.
Don't forget to add engine break-in lube (zinc) and prime the oil pump before installing the dizzy.
