1. Remove the spark plugs from the engine.
2. Insert a long screwdriver or pencil into each spark plug hole and rotate the engine crankshaft until the piston in that cylinder reaches its highest point (top dead center).
3. Make a note of the piston numbers that are at top dead center on each side of the engine.
4. Compare the piston numbers on the left side of the engine to those on the right side. If they are in the same order, then the piston installation order is correct. If they are in a different order, then the left and right banks have been swapped.
Here is the correct piston installation order for a small block:
Front of Engine
| Cylinder | Right Bank | Left Bank |
| ----------- | ----------- | ----------- |
| 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 3 | 2 |
| 3 | 5 | 6 |
| 4 | 7 | 8 |
If you find that the piston installation order is incorrect, you can correct it by removing the pistons and reinstalling them in the correct order. Be sure to follow the correct ring gap and piston-to-wall clearance specifications when reinstalling the pistons.
