@mike12 find your #1 cylinder and get it to top dead center on the compression stroke . Next insert your distributor making sure it is seated properly set your cap on and check to see if your number 1 wire is at the same spot as the rotor is pointing if not pull the distributor and turn it to match the #1 position plug wire. remember the rotor will turn as the distributor seats itself. keep it up till you get things lined up right
. Once there its just a matter of fine tuning the distributor(turning it left or right to advance the timing or set the timing back) to get it to fire. Once you have it running slowly turn the distributor till it idles well then get your timing light out and go to work making things right. You need to know the proper timing setting for your car. Hope this helps