how are the dots on the timing gears supposed to line up at top dead center. both dots up? pointing at each other? ect.....kinda confused right now and tore it apart and dont recall. thanks for the help!!
350 if it matters.

 

If I remember right from when I replaced my timing chain & gears, they should line up in the center of where the 2 gears meet - pointing at each other.

 

Both. Since the crank turns twice for every one revolution of the cam, the dots will be lined up correctly in both places.

 

If the camshaft dowel pin is straight up, the timing mark on its gear is down, and the camshaft is at "overlap" #1 TDC, meaning the exhaust valve is closing and the intake valve is opening. If the dowel is down, the timing mark is at the top of the gear, the engine is at #1 firing TDC.

 

Seems to me if you want to be 100% certain you should take off a valve cover and look at #1 cylinder's valves. You can then follow what is opening and closing when the piston is at TDC.

 

You can put the chain on the gears either way, but if you put the distributor in with the cam dot at 6 and crank at 12, you are at number 6 at TDC. Need both to be at 12 Oclock to put the distriburtor, at # 1 cylinder.