just need a quick confirmation on my idiocy

Turn the drive so the index is more towards the front headlight, that is over the front tire. Once it drops in it will turns as it engages with your camshaft. So make sure you account for that. Might have to start with the tang pointing straight ahead and it will turn to proper location as you install it.

With that distributor, index pump drive to the #1 intake bolt area and go with it. Drop in distributor, give the vac can some counter clockwise twist ability and start with the cap tower where rotor tip is pointed as #1 plug wire.