318 problems

The fact is you can close your eyes and throw the drive gear in there "any old way" and then toss the distributor in after it

What IS important is that the rotor is approaching whatever tower the no1 plug wire is connected to, at the time no1 is ready to fire.

There are TWO WAYS to set timing, that is, to find the no1 compression stroke

1......Pull no 1 plug, stick your finger in and bump the engine until compression pushes out your finger. You may have to "go round" a couple of times to feel this. When you START to feel compression, watch the marks, and bring the marks up to wherever you want initial timing, 10, 15 BTC.

2......Second way is if you have the valve covers off. Bring the timing mark to where you want timing, 10 BTC, etc, and look at the no1 and no6 valves. One cylinder will be "both valves closed" the opposite will be "both partially open."

If no1 is open, rotate the crank 1 full turn.

As in no1 above, you are now on compression. Again, set the timing marks to where you want timing, 10-15BTC

NOW look where the rotor is. Regardless of where the cam gear or distributor is plugged, WHEREVER the rotor is is the tower you want no1 wire to be.

If this does not suit you, you can rotate the cam gear with a screwdriver, "walk" it up out of the cam and move it. NOT ALL DISTRIBUTORS have the drive tang oriented the same regards to the rotor