If your distributor gear is not in the "standard position", find tdc with your finger in the hole method (LOL!).
Then find where the rotor points when #1 is at tdc. Now install the distributor cap and make the tower that the rotor points to for #1 cylinder. Then go around the distributor cap in the direction of rotation and follow the firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Then set the crank at about 10° advanced, and twist the distributor so the rotor is pointing to the #1 terminal and then try cranking her over.
