Small block 289 Hipo with iron heads and 4 speed.
Assume target timing is 38 degrees total with 18 degrees initial with 20 degrees mechanical.
Verify number one cylinder on compression stroke. If number one piston is truly at top dead center, timing marker should point to TDC mark on balancer.
Is distributor dropped with rotor pointing to desired location of number one plug wire with balancer at TDC or is engine rotated to a location other than zero, such as 35-40 degrees before top dead center mark on balancer before install distributor rotor to point to desired number one plug wire?