Mallory distributor orientation Options

[Geezer914]

If I install a Mallory distributor in the stock location, with #1 at 11:00, the clips that hold the distributor cap interfere with the engine tin, making setting timing difficult. Just want to double check myself, if I rotate the distributor drive gear to one or two teeth so it lines up with 9:00 with the engine at top dead center, I can line up the rotor at 9:00 and be at top dead center for #1?

[Jack Standz]

If I install a Mallory distributor in the stock location, with #1 at 11:00, the clips that hold the distributor cap interfere with the engine tin, making setting timing difficult. Just want to double check myself, if I rotate the distributor drive gear to one or two teeth so it lines up with 9:00 with the engine at top dead center, I can line up the rotor at 9:00 and be at top dead center for #1?

I have both the centrifugal advance version and the vacuum advance version.

After I read Jake Raby`s experience with the vacuum advance version that can fail in a way that could destroy your motor, I use the centrifugal advance version only. This one fits better and no tin dimpling needed in my case.

Wouldn't it work and be a whole lot easier to just move each spark plug wire on the distributor cap either one position clockwise or counterclockwise? In other words, put the distributor body in a spot where the clips don't interfere with the tin and then adjust what you now call #1 (#2,3 &4) on the cap to where you have enough rotation to adjust the timing?

Your way looks like it'll work, but if you keep the distributor drive where it is and rotate the distributor body (will have to pull the distributor out of the hole, turn just the body, and then reinstall) either 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise from where your first photo shows, it looks like you'll have enough timing adjustment rotation.