distributor drive shaft installation

[fireguyfire]

Getting ready to fire my fully rebuilt 383 in my 68, and today I primed the engine. I rotated the cam through 2 full revolutions while priming counter clockwise, and I am happy with my prime.
My question is, what is the best way to try and "properly" reinstall the distributor drive shaft; I know on a BB you can have it in anyway and make the wires work to get the timing, but I might as well start the best way possible.
Do I need to have the engine at TDC to reinstall the shaft? If so, is that when the slot in the shaft should be inline with the length of the crankshaft when installed, or pointing at the #1 cylinder?

[John_Kunkel]

With #1 cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke the slot in the drive gear should point roughly in line with the centerline of the cam/crank.

[fireguyfire]

Roger that!

[fy469rtse]

John, can you humor me or anyone , it must be age creeping up,
.? Why does it need to be lined up with piston at top dead centre

[b5blue]

Your orienting the slot for the dizzy for #1 plug.

[John_Kunkel]

What rtse is saying is that the drive slot will also be in the same orientation if #1 is TDC on the exhaust stroke. I chose the compression stroke expecting that the distributor would be installed next.