Is there a fool proof method of installing the distributor so you don't fight with timing and backfiring on fire-up? I have tried multiple methods, and have yet to have an initial fire-up where I'm not dealing with back fires etc. The engined fired right up, but it's obvious the dizzy's in wrong. LOUD backfires out the exhaust, and header tubes on 1 & 3 are cool, while 2 & 4 are really hot. I put the distributor gear in so that when #1 is at TDC on the compression stroke, the rotor is pointing at #1 cylinder. What have I got wrong? (Small block, btw.)

turn dist till the magnet is lined up with the nearest tooth & at that point see if the rotor is under or near under a cap terminal (checking rotor phasing) & holler if it ain't & if so how far off is it. If all good there turn the dampener to 20 BTDC #1 compression & come up on it clockwise to take slack out of the chain. Turn dist till the magnet is lined up with a tooth. plug in #1 plug wire in the cap terminal above the rotor & finish the rest of em around in order. plug the vac advance nipple on the carb (for now) so its disabled. fire it up

Are you sure plug wires not off one terminal? The method mentioned should have gotten you in the ball park. Cold cylinders and back firing can be other issues with distributor, wires, plugs, coil.

Turns out I was pretty good on the initial setting. Had #1 & #3 crossed. Now the carb has to come off. Can't get the dang thing to idle. Put new bowl gaskets in over the winter, so something's messed up over that.