If the firing order is 18436572 then on the distributor cap does it mean the 8 plug wire goes next to the 1 and so on clockwise?

Answer 1

Take off the distributor cap, turn the engine crankshaft pulley clockwise and see which way the rotor turns. Then remove the plug from cylinder 1 and replace by a couple of turns. Turn the engine pulley to line up the timing marks and if air hisses from cylinder 1 the distributor rotor is pointing to where cylinder 1 wire goes (If no hiss, rotate crankshaft pulley a full turn and hiss should be heard). Then it is as you say but in the direction the rotor turned