Classic/Antique Car Repair: triumph timing issue, timing pulley, tdc mark

Question
Hello again,
 I recently bought an electronic ignition for my 78 spitfire 1500.  It seems like it should work fine to replace my old Lucas system.  anyway, my problem is that my car will not start without the new kit and to install the new kit the timing pulley marks must be aligned to the timing plate on the block and when they are aligned my rotor is supposed to be pointing to #1 spark plug lead.  when i turn my car over, the rotor will stop in one of 4 positions.  none of these positions are pointing to spark plug leads, including #1. that been said the pulley mark is never even near the timing plate on the block, let alone close to the right spot on the timing plate.  what is the procedure i should use to remedy this issue?  and get my cars rotor to be pointing to #1 spark plug lead and and timing pulley marks aligned at the same time.

Answer
Travis,
First confirm that the mark on the pulley is true TDC. (Top dead center)
To do this, pull #1 plug and rotate the crank by hand to align the TDC mark on the pulley, then insert a coat hanger or welding rod in #1 plug hole and rotate the crank back and forth by hand to confirm that the piston is truly at TDC. If it is, remove the distributor cap and look where the rotor is pointing. If it is not pointing toward #1 plug wire pin, loosen the pinch bolt at the base of the distributor and turn the distributor until it is pointing directly at the pin of #1 plug wire.
Now, rotate the crank by hand (clockwise as if you were standing in front of the car facing the engine) and note the direction the dist rotor turns. The next pin should be #3 and the next is #4 and the last is #2 in order in the cap. (All in-line 4 cylinder engines fire 1,3,4,2.
Now check the sticker under the hood (if it is still there) for the correct ignition timing and get a timing light and set the timing to specs. The sticker always over-rides what you manual says.
Howard