I take it that you have wiring set up to the coil, and from the coil to the distributor? If so, then you need to set the engine up so that number one cylinder is just before TDC (top dead centre) on its power stroke, ie induction, compression, power, exhaust. Having done that, you should then place the distributor into the engine, and ensure that when looking at the rotor arm's rotational direction that number one cylinder of your distributor cap is adjacent to the rotor arm. By doing this you have set your engine at just before TDC on number one cylinder and that the distributor is going to send a HT spark to that cylinder.

Having then completed that, you ensure that you have set the correct firing order for your vehicle. Once this is done the vehicle should start, and by adjusting the distributor slightly and listening to the engine you can find the best position for the distributor. You could, of course, then use a strobe light which would then give you absolute perfect timing for your engine.