i think it's right in front and center
It is located on the distributor under the cap and rotor.
If you turn the engine to TDC on the compression stroke, the distributor rotor will point at the terminal for #1. Most distributors have a mark (usually a 1) on them under the cap to indicate the #1 position for the rotor to point at. The cap tower directly above the rotor point at this position is for the #1 spark plug.
That would be the pick up plate in the distributor under the rotor and cap.
Standard is that it is pointing at the number one position on the distributor cap.
the rotor should be pointing towards the number one plug position on the distributor cap, and the engine should be on compression stroke. If its not the motor will be 180 degrees out
Number 1 cylinder, which would be the first cylinder on the drivers side of the engine. You want the rotor pointing towards the 5 O'Clock position looking at the distributor from the front.
On number one terminal, put engine at tdc on 1. If engine/rotor hasn't moved, leave rotor alone.
The marked # 1 position on the distributor cap faces AWAY from the engine The spark plug firing order is 1 - 5 - 3 - 6 - 2 - 4 The distributor rotor turns CLOCKWISE
That would be the pick up plate in the distributor, under the cap and rotor.
once the number 1 piston is on tdc which ever point the rotor is facing becomes the number one position. if you conect the wires from there and follow your firing order you should have no problems.(i have done it)
According to the ( about . com website ) - # 1 position on the distributor cap faces towards the drivers side The firing order is ( 1 - 8 - 4 - 3 - 6 - 5 - 7 - 2 ) The distributor rotor turns COUNTERCLOCKWISE On the 4.1 liter V8 engine in your front wheel drive Cadillac
The marked # 1 position on the distributor cap faces to the FRONT and center of the engine