Firing order

Ok some "stuff." Some "rambling..........

First, the main reason on most cars that firing order/ wire location is specified is so that

Cut factory wires will "lay" right
The assembly line folks can "rinse, repeat"
And tune up guys "see what they expect"

There might be a fair reason NOT to change a working but so called incorrect wire position, especially on a slant. That's because..........

The dist gear is plastic and can be easily broke with screwin' round
The dist movement is limited, without moving the bracket clamp position using both clamp bolts........one on the block, and one under the dist.

HOW TO check/ set timing

Assuming you don't think the balancer ring has slipped--and there is a way to check that too.........pull the no 1 plug and devise a way to feel for compression. If you can't reach (on a slant) with your finger into the no1 hole, stick your compression gage hose in there or whatever. "Bump" the engine round until you feel compression starting to "come on." Now watch for the timing marks, and carefully stop the engine WHERE YOU WANT initial timing to be, such as 5 BTDC. Now look at the dist. With points, you want to adjust the dist from a retarded position towards advanced until the points just open

With an electronic "rough" set the dist so the reluctor is in the middle of the pickup coil Look where the rotor is located, install/ remove the cap a couple times and identify which tower the rotor is approaching. THIS IS YOUR no1 tower. You can also install the cap and check timing "on the starter." Put it together and start the engine