To find #1:
1. Consult your engine's firing order: This is crucial. Common firing orders for small-block Chevy V8s are 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, but there can be variations. Find the sticker on the engine or consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and engine.
2. Locate the number 1 spark plug wire: Once you know the firing order, trace the spark plug wire connected to cylinder #1. The wire will run from the distributor cap to the #1 spark plug.
3. Identify #1 on the cap: The distributor cap will be marked with numbers. The number on the cap where the #1 spark plug wire is connected will be the #1 position.
In short: You need your engine's firing order to definitively locate #1 on the distributor cap. Don't rely solely on assuming a position, as variations do exist.