Can’t tell anything from that photo. Pull the cam cover off and verify both cams lobes pointing out at TDC. Then follow the instructions on the 123

 

XXX

 

I had the same issue the Position of the rotor is irrelevant you have a New # 1 once you determine TDC/ cam marks and you pulley, also start @ 6' advance static.

 

Yep, the rotor position is irrelevant on a 123, once you set all the elements in the instructions.

 

Yes it was 2 hours of nonsense to figure out the irrelevancy.

 

So I just bought a 123 Distributor and a Bosch ignition coil... the only thing is my Alfa mechanic is a few hours away, so I was planning on tackling this myself. Do you guys think this is doable for a bozo like myself? Is there a good thread on here on how to install it properly?

 

You can do it, we are smarter the the dizzy. The rotor position throws everyone for a loop. As previously stated once set make sure your wires (plug) are positioned correctly, 1 to 1, 2 to 2 and so on, and set up for the rotation of the rotor. Once installed and running, set the timing at max advance and enjoy!

 

I really really appreciate the reply and the encouragement! Definitely feeling more confident about it.

 

Couple of hints

1. be careful handling the nut and washer that hold the dist to the block. It’s a bit fiddly to remove - reinstall. Remove the dist cap and rotor to install the washer and nut
2. Make sure that the o-ring on the dist shaft is seated in the recess on the block . Don’t forget that oring.
3. when you drop the new dist shaft down into the hole, rotate the rotor while pushing down on it. There is a key way that needs to engage — you will feel it kind of “clunk” in place and you will no longer be able to rotate the rotor.
You CAN do this! Go get em!

 

Couple of hints

1. be careful handling the nut and washer that hold the dist to the block. It’s a bit fiddly to remove - reinstall. Remove the dist cap and rotor to install the washer and nut
2. Make sure that the o-ring on the dist shaft is seated in the recess on the block . Don’t forget that oring.
3. when you drop the new dist shaft down into the hole, rotate the rotor while pushing down on it. There is a key way that needs to engage — you will feel it kind of “clunk” in place and you will no longer be able to rotate the rotor.
You CAN do this! Go get em!

I definitely really appreciate the tips!

Couple of hints

1. be careful handling the nut and washer that hold the dist to the block. It’s a bit fiddly to remove - reinstall. Remove the dist cap and rotor to install the washer and nut
2. Make sure that the o-ring on the dist shaft is seated in the recess on the block . Don’t forget that oring.
3. when you drop the new dist shaft down into the hole, rotate the rotor while pushing down on it. There is a key way that needs to engage — you will feel it kind of “clunk” in place and you will no longer be able to rotate the rotor.
You CAN do this! Go get em!

Couple of hints

1. be careful handling the nut and washer that hold the dist to the block. It’s a bit fiddly to remove - reinstall. Remove the dist cap and rotor to install the washer and nut
2. Make sure that the o-ring on the dist shaft is seated in the recess on the block . Don’t forget that oring.
3. when you drop the new dist shaft down into the hole, rotate the rotor while pushing down on it. There is a key way that needs to engage — you will feel it kind of “clunk” in place and you will no longer be able to rotate the rotor.
You CAN do this! Go get em!

I really appreciate the tips! And the motivation! Now I just got to figure out what I should tackle first... the distributor and ignition coil or the strong gas smell coming from the trunk. Regardless, thanks again for your time and the tips!

 

Gas smell first....once you have a spark...hood luck

 

Good luck