63J, 52PU has the right idea and a pretty good description. Since you have a 230, your engine will be slightly different. What most people do not understand is that the timing marks line up twice---TDC on compression, and TDC on Exhaust. If you are going to TDC without verifying that it is on compression, your spark will be 180 degrees out of time.
Line up the timing marks by cranking the engine with #1 plug out. Put your finger over the plug hole. When you feel compression, you know it in the correct spot.
Also, when the distributor is installed, it (the shaft) will turn a little. If you need the rotor tip to point to the 3 o'clock position, then you would line up the rotor to about 2 or 2:30 BEFORE you lower it into the engine. If you are off by one gear tooth the engine will run, but not well. Sounds like you had it close. Try again, it's really not that difficult.
Good luck
