can i install it with the distributor on?

It isn't so much that as me being lazy...I had the motor dynod so I KNOW the timing is set where I want it and I was hoping I could get by without having to reset it

Look dummy, you're WAY smart enough to figure out how to set timing to its optimum setting on a given engine. You got a decent timin light? That's all you need. You can do it. It's not hard. At least that way you'll learn somethin. If you get hung up PM me and we can talk on the phone.