Timing edge of the distributor housing?

2000 CHEVROLET 2500
400,000 MILES • 7.4L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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CPT.NEMO
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When I have the timing gears at tdc and I’m setting the distributor, I align the dimple to the white line and do I stab with the rotor pointing at the number 8 that is casted into the edge of the distributor housing or to the number 1 cylinder ? I’ve been told several different things, could you please clarify this for me ?
Dec 23, 2025 at 12:30 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, this can be confusing to get the ignition distributor installed correctly, here is a video to help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El1H0_6IYxQ

Let us know if you need anything else.
Dec 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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CPT.NEMO
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Very helpful video if that were my distributor. Mine is flat and I want to know if the rotor should be pointing to the number one cylinder or at the number 8 that is inscribed on the base of the distributor
Dec 23, 2025 at 11:12 AM
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STRAILER
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Okay, no worries, here is the instructions for your engine specifically. Rewatch the video and use the images below to help with the installation.

Rotate the number 1 cylinder to Top Dead Center (TDC) of the compression stroke.

So if the engine is not on the compression stoke you will be 180 degrees out of time FYI. Let us know how it goes. Check out the images (below).
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Dec 24, 2025 at 9:49 AM