small block engine timing

rebuilding chevy small block engine, having some issues with engine timing,you bring #1 up on compression stroke,set rotor facing #1 and set it in the block. have had engine running short time. dont quite seem to be time.question i ask is do you set engine crank on zero after you reach compression,set dist. rotor before #1 and then install dist. housing.so that you wont get so much back firing.

Make sure crank is on Zero TDC, Put distributor in with rotor pointing to #1 spark plug wire (this can be anywhere you prefer) make sure you have the proper firing order 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2 and engine should start fine. Then as engine warms up adjust your distributor to proper timing. That's all there is to it. Good Luck