[bullethole]

you can put the distributor in before you time the cams.. In fact, I would say you should (unless you are running a crank fire ignition), as it gives an easy reference for what cylinder you have at TDC, and ensures that you have it in right. I've seen many cases where the distributor was put in reversed (with the 1 indicator being actually #4 at TDC). Causes heck when trying to do it.

In fact, even though I use a crank fire.. I put the old distributor in just for this purpose. Keeps me from doing something stupid