timing guru's please check this for me

[chevybill]

I have a 98 vortec 350 for my 70 and trying to set initial timing before dropping in distributor. I have the engine on a stand and turning it with a ratchet (with all plugs out of the engine and no intake or exhaust manifolds)
I have been turning the engine to the right stand in front of the engine- is that correct?

2nd.- I put a plastic plug in the no 1 cylinder ( first plug on right side standing in front of engine) and it blew out with the notch on the harmonic balancer in the 1 o'clock position.

3rd- Is this the right place to try to drop in the distributor or should it be moved further? and shouldn't I try to point the rotor cap toward no 1 cylinder when dropping in the distributor?

I know this sucks without pics, but do not have any way to take pics or post.
I know this is elementary to many of you, but I received the engine without a distributor (junkyard pulled engine) so I do not have a reference point from the original distributor.

The one notch is the only mark on the harmonic balancer, but I will be buying a degreed cover and a pointer for this engine.

Sorry to be so long.

thanks for all the help, everyone.