I rebuilt the motor on my 91 using Comp cam, lifters and springs. It started on the first crank, I ran it for the 30 minute break in and everything was fine. The next day I got about 2 blocks from the house and it shut down. I would crank but not start, I checked the codes and got a 54 for the distributor sync. It was under warranty so I just replaced the whole thing. I talked to the tech guys at Comp who said to use TDC, that I didnt need to change timing at all. I put the new one in and am having the following problems;
1) new distributor wont line up with TDC, rotor is always off.
2) still showing code 54
3) new code 41- alternator field not switching properly.

My theory for the first two is to start at TDC and turn the crank until the rotor lines up with the closest plug and make that one #1 and rotate the rest accordingly.

Thoughts and or suggestions for any/all of these?

 

you must turn oil pump drive with tip of screw driver then install dist ...

 

Is it attached to anything else that I have to worry about breaking or can I just shine a light down there and turn it?

 

You'll only be turning the oil pump. No worries.

 

One problem down and now 2 to go. It started right up the first time, but... now it just cranks and I have the same 2 trouble codes.

 

Got ALL the little ground wires at the engine dipstick tube stud attached to a clean and shiny spot? Not covered in fresh paint?