How is the distributor cap numbered on a '91 Chevy 350 TBI?

Answer 1

The distributor cap is numbered 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2 in a clockwise rotation. I believe you are probably asking a different question though. More than likely what you really want to know is where #1 is at on the cap. This is not as easy as just picking where #1 should be as many times someone has installed the distributor in such a way that #1 is in a different location than the books say is should be. to find where #1 should be on your distributor turn the engine until the timing marks line up at the balancer. as long as it is close to TDC (top dead center 0 on the balancer or timing tab) this is good enough. Remove the distributor cap and look to see where the rotor tip is pointing. This is going to be either #1 or #6. If you install the wires using the post the rotor pointed at as #1 and the engine backfires out of the intake you need to install #1 exactly opposite on the cap and rewire the rest to the firing order given above. One other way to do this is to remove #1 spark plug (drivers side front on a Chevy) place you finger over the hole and have someone bump the starter. When you feel your finger being blown out of the hole this is the compression stroke for #1. Align the marks at the balancer again and then check the rotor position. This is #1 firing position and with the wires install IN THE FIRING ORDER given above the engine should at least try to start. The actual ignition timing will need to be set after it is running.