Chevrolet Repair: engine question, 350 chevy engine, cam gear

Question
I'm rebuilding a 350 chevy engine 1980. I have the crank in and the heads on. How do I know where top dead center is one #1. I'm confused on if I have it at tdc on compression or exhaust. Without a cam in it how do you tell.

Answer
Hi Gary.... if you put #1 cyl up at TDC it will be at TDC untill you put the cam in...install your cam and timing chain and gears install the crank and cam gear with the dots facing each other...cam gear at the bottom and crank gear at the top, then you will be at top dead center.... hope this helps