#1 @ TDC on compression stroke?
 

Hey guys, I'm sure this is an easy question to answer, but I want to make sure I get it right the first time...

I've installed and degreed in my new Anderson cam, and am about to bolt on the lower intake, et al. I want to make sure that I've got the #1 piston at TDC on the compression stroke. (I lined up the timing marks on the cam sproket and crank gear while double checking that #1 was at TDC via a dial indicator on #1 piston.) However, I'm just not sure if it's on the exhaust stroke or the compression stroke. I guess if I drop in the distributor and point it to #1 and it doesn't fire that I could just rotate it 180*, but I would rather be right on the first time.

I also thought that I could just turn over the motor by hand and watch the #1 lifters until I would see the intake valve open, then close, then on the top of that stroke (where the timing marks line-up on the timing chain set) I would be at TDC for the compression stroke...but then I began to wonder if turning the engine over in a clockwise fashion is the same way that it turns when it fires?

So, in which direction does the engine turn if I'm standing at the front of the car looking at the engine crank?

Thanks in advance!
E

It turns clockwise.

Put your finger over the #1 spark plug hole and turn the motor over by hand till you feel the compression.