351 PCM Distributor #1 Location 1987

guess i figure it would help performance , instead of doing my points every other year, my buddy uses one in his 79 and its been in there for 10+ years. i do remember retiming and replacing a small pump on the carb (( power valve)? after gappinig that and the points also re adjusting the mixture screws ,all done per instruction manual. i was chasing a hole shot issue. i do however think fuel played a part so i run a half can of seafoam every other fill. what other alternatives are out there besides pertronix?

You always need to check/set the timing after messing with your points or ignition module.

Agreed on the pertronix, I'd stick with points.

all ears gary

since were talking 87 ford distributer, i replaced my points condenser and cap last season, and i dont remember doing anything about tdc. i just made sure the cam was at the elongated place opening the gap before i started the job then i marked all the wires and put them back on the cap the same as the old one after gapping, did i do somthing wrong ???? it runs the same, this year im going with a breakerless from pentronix anything special i need to do for that change???   87 sn screw dwn no clip

I just looked at the 302/351 manual it shows 11 o'clock.
Rotate the crank until the tdc mark is zeroed out AND the rotor points
to that position and wire the cap.
Next time change it out one plug wire at a time, you'll get it.
It's not hard just step by step.   

   Check out the reference section here for a good description.

Are you trying to install the distributor or replacing the cap?
Either way the crank shaft needs to be set at top dead center.
Look at the timing mark and the pointer on the front of the engine and rotate the crank until the pointer lines up.

If the distributor was never removed before the rotor will point about 1 o'clock looking aft at the engine.
If it points to 7 o'clock rotate the crank 1 revolution and it should be at 1 o'clock "ish"

If the distributor has been removed you must set the #1 cylinder to top dead center on the COMPRESSION stoke.

If installing the distributor. DO NOT force it down to the block. Move the oil pump shaft a little at a time (a few degrees) then try it again Tape a 5/16 socket to an extension to reach down to the hex oil pump shaft.

This is all off the top of my head so if I'm wrong I'm about to get beat up!

In need of position #1 wire on distributor.. My 1987 manual is confusing, as I have the older engine (1986?).. help! My 1987 Nautique, Ford 351W PCM seems to be a split year on the motor. I have the older version, whereby my Prestolite distributor cap is the one with clips and screws to hold it. The newer 1987 (or real 87) has screws only. My firing order on the engine tag is 1-8-4-5-6-2-7-3. I assume #1 cylinder is the front right (the closest to the driver seat)? Where is #1 wire located on the distributor cap?