Trying to assemble 396 engine. Have alingned timing marks on crank gear and cam shaft gear straight up and down with marks on inside. No. l piston is at TDC. When turning crank over piston will fire when mark on timing gear is at top after turning crank about 180 degrees. Continuing to turn the crank to complet the 360 dergee the exhaust valve opens complete the cycle and the dots line up on the crank and timing gear.
Is this correct. If not what is suppose to happen and how do I fix it. Thanks.

John,
You have it correct. When you install the timing set with the dots together, the engine will actually be in the firing position for the number 6 cylinder. After you turn it one turn, it will be in the firing position for # 1 The "dots" are only there to align the timing gears, not neccessarily for # 1.
Hope this helps,

Bill...Thanks very much for the quick response. I think I have it right now, at least it seems to be right. Took a whole lot less time to. Thanks again, perhaps I can return the favor sometime. John