Hey guys i have recently started installing a new cam (Comp Cams Dual Energy 275 DEH) in my 350. Now i am ready to install the timing gears. But heres my question, before i started all the work i put the motor to top dead center which is the #1 piston on compression stroke. But when installing the timing gears you are supposed to line up the dots (cam dot at 6:00-crank dot at 12:00). But when doing this that is supposed to put the #6 piston to fire. Then you rotate the crank 360 degrees to have both dots in the 12:00 position to get it to #1 fire again. Now im a little confused, with the motor already at TDC for #1 will i have to rotate the crank gear to line the dots up and thats why #6 would be at firing position when they line up? Any responses would be appreciated thanks.

Dots together #6 TDC, both dots at 12:00 - #1 at TDC. For some its easier to line them up "together", then rotate. You can do it either way, makes no difference.

Quote:
"But when installing the timing gears you are supposed to line up the dots (cam dot at 6:00-crank dot at 12:00)."

If you do this, it's all you need to care about and the chain will be on correctly. The rest is just for checking to verify, really nothing more, (IMO).
Remember, you normally won't drop your dist in, with the crank in this position. Do not loctite your bolts at this point, make sure to degree your cam first. Just as a visual, check and make sure you can see almost all of the lobe in the center of the lifter hole. Then you can pull the cam (if needed) to put you thick heavy lube on the lobes. Don't forget to lube the Fuel pump lobe and the rear gears. Once you are satisfied that the cam is in correctly, then loctite the three bolts, one at a time. There are plenty of misc items, that I left out, just hit a few of the keys.

Fred.

ok so ill just line up the dots and then rotate the crank 360 degrees till both dots are in the 12:00 position and thats all to worry about then i can drop the distributor in later on to fire #1 thanks for the responses

Dots together #6 TDC, both dots at 12:00 - #1 at TDC. For some its easier to line them up "together", then rotate. You can do it either way, makes no difference.
That 's backwards. Cam dot @ 6 & crank dot @ 12. The #1 cyl. should be at TDC.

the cam turns at half the crank speed so 6/12 or 12/12 is correct. #1 TDC will be at either position.