I got the engine out!!!

I'm switching engines on my 90 740T. The new engine came without a distributor. It appears there are two ways to orient the distributor shaft. How do I orient it the correct direction, and not 180 degrees out of alignment?

Can I use marks on the front of the camshaft to check it, or go by a position of a cam lobe? If I can use a cam lobe, I don't need to pull the timing belt cover. I'm going to change the tbelt in a month or so, in the name of finishing the engine swap soon.

Thanks!

Swedishbricks seems to contradict itself, saying that it can only go in one way, and saying not to put it in backwards.
http://www.swedishbricks.net/700900FAQ/Electrical-Ignition1.html#Distributor%20R&R%20and%20Shaft%20Seal%20Replacement

"Newer Distributors using RPM Sensors: [Response: Abe Crombie] The ignition system uses a crankshaft reading RPM sensor for timing. The distributor has no bearing on timing. Take note of the position of distributor by looking with a mirror at the relative length of distributor adjustment slots where bolts go in. You may not need to do this as there should be a plastic piece in one of the bolt holes that positions the distributor housing. The distributor only goes into cam in one possible position due to the offset slot that drives distributor via an offset eared piece. When you pull distributor shaft out to replace the shaft seal take careful note of position of the eared drive cog so it can be put back in the same place and not 180 degrees off."
Or am I reading that wrong?
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1990 740 Turbo, on its way to stock specs, maybe beyond

"When you pull distributor shaft out to replace the shaft seal take careful note of position of the eared drive cog so it can be put back in the same place and not 180 degrees off."

You got confused by this statement. It only applies if you tear the distributor down to replace the inner seal.
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Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.

You can't put it in wrong. The dist. shaft has a pin through it to engage the camshaft, and that pin does NOT go through the center of the shaft. It is offset to one side and can only be put in one way.

As for the position of the dist. plate, it goes, of course, so that the cap will mount with the towers for the plug leads on the top. There is quite a bit of adjustment in the slots for the dist. bolts, so on my cars, I usually center it in the slots and let the ignition computer handle the details.
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1955 Human, Scott; 1991 745 Turbo, Brunhilde; 1990 745GL, Snuggle Bunny

Bingo!

After I got the distributor out, I looked closely and saw that the alignment bar is indeed off center. Thanks for the help.

It's beautiful and simple. I wish more things were made like this, so the question of "can I put it in backwards" wouldn't even occur to us most of the time.

Happy Bricking!
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1990 740 Turbo, on its way to stock specs, maybe beyond