How is the distributor cap numbered for a Monte Carlo 5.0 305 engine?

The distributor cap for a 1980s-era Chevrolet 305 (5.0L) engine, including those found in Monte Carlos, isn't numbered in a sequential 1-8 order like some might expect. Instead, the firing order of the engine dictates the cap's terminal arrangement.

The firing order for a small-block Chevy 305 is typically 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. The distributor cap's terminals are arranged to correspond to this firing order. Therefore, the number 1 terminal on the cap will be connected to the number 1 spark plug wire, number 8 will be connected to number 8, and so on, following the firing order sequence.

You won't find numbers 1 through 8 in a simple, sequential circle around the cap. The arrangement is based on the engine's firing order. A diagram on the cap itself, or a diagram in your owner's manual (or a readily available online resource for your specific year and engine) should show you the correct arrangement. Always consult a diagram specific to your year Monte Carlo. Small variations can exist between years.