I found the distributor a lot more difficult to line up than a CPS on the turbo. If you can get someone to turn the engine over whist you slightly rotate the distributor you may find it will start to fire up. If you get black smoke coming out of the exhaust, you should be nearly there. Pulling the engine is 3 times longer than a head gasket replacement. More parts to label up, more crawling under the car and with out doubt you will damage one or both of the engine mounts lifting the engine out. The first thing you will need is an engine hoist; I used a 2-ton hoist, when fully extended (which you will need) it will lift a ton. Another pair of helping hands makes the job a lot easer. I remember at the time (a few year ago now) saying never again, mind you I was doing a total strip down for a big end repair, but I would probably do it again tomorrow if I needed to.
One coming out & one going in.
