Distributor Swap Question

A good method is to set the engine to TDC, then observe where the rotor points. If it is at #1, then good, if not rotation crank one more turn. Next step is rotate a bit more to base timing you want to set, observe where tooth on reluctor in relation to pick-up sensor nub. That point should be, as reluctor tooth is slightly past perfect alignment with sensor nub. When you place new distributor in, set it the same. If both are carefully set, by approaching rotation, backlash errors are minimal. With experience static timing can be done to better than 2 degrees.