Ok I've been reading past forums and need clarification

TDC? On the balancer there is a clear red line, this lines up with the timing marks on the block, there are 3 there which is TDC.

also does the crank rotate 2 full times where the line could come in alignment with the timing marks making the timing 180 degrees off?

Does this mean not only do you have to verify the mark but you need to take the spark plug out of cylinder 1 to confirm that piston is at the top?

And also to confirm when that happens the rotor should be pointing at that plug #1 then following the firing order as marked on the intake in counter clockwise pattern

Usually the timing marks on the timing cover are marked as to what line is what. One should be marked 0.

You are correct that you need to know if the piston is in the compression stroke or the exhaust stroke when you align the distributor. If you have it 180 deg out the motor will spit and backfire. It will not run that way. Then position it with the rotor pointing at the #1 wire position. As u said, turns counterclockwise with the firing order 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2. You should be saying the firing order in your sleep

Hmm. Ok I found compression stroke at that point timing mark should be at 0? I thought I read 15 degree before 0. Set plug number one at rotor starting point and set firing order. Only problem didn’t fire. Got gas going into carb but never kicked. I miss something

Hook up a timing light to #1 plug wire & see when it's firing, on your timing marks.

Should easily crank anywhere between about 8 & 15° BTDC. Back in the old days, I idled most of my Pontiac engines on about 13°. Some engines may like a little more or a little less.

For high performance purposes, your total advance is more important. Most(not all) Pontiac engines like about 34-36°, at WOT. Many Pontiac guys will set up their dist to idle where they want it, start advancing at just above idle speed, and reach total advance by 3000 rpm.

That sounds like a great idea. Basically when the light flashes that’s the point where the rotor needs to be set to plug wire number one.

Actually, you can also hook the timing light to plug wire #6, since both #1 & #6 pistons are at TDC, when the balancer timing mark is on zero. The flash of the timing light will show up on the balancer at exactly the same time, whether using #1 or #6 plug wire.

But, obviously, there will be a 180° difference in the position of the rotor, since #1 & #6 terminals are exactly opposite one another on the dist cap.

Rotate the dist clockwise to increase timing, and counterclockwise to decrease timing. I always tighten the dist hold down bolt to where I can still rotate the dist by hand, but tight enuff so that it won't move by itself, from just the engine running. Then, tighten it on down, after the timing is set where you want it.

Timing cover usually shows not only TDC, but marks a few degrees of advance as well.

1968 timing cover

For first fire, as the rotor is passing #1, you want spark about when the balancer line passes the 8-12 degrees BTDC marks. If it's not catching, then something is wrong.

If you want to do it right get a piston stop. You can make one out of an old spark plug or just buy one(easier). I know you are saying it sounds like overkill but it will get your timing dead on and also tell you if your balancer has slipped and how much. Worth the effort. I'm sure they come with instructions ( if you buy one). If you decide to make one just YouTube it or google how to use.

Even if you know that your marks are ABSOLUTELY accurate, you'll still have to experiment to find out exactly what your engine likes. Whatever it likes best, that's what the dist needs to deliver, regardless of what the timing marks read.

I've read that some engines like the total as low as 30°, and some as much as 38°. 34-36° seems to be quite common. Some high compression engines must run a lower number than what would actually produce the most power, in order to prevent detonation, on today's pump gas.