i have a 66 stang with a 302 that i just put in it and i was putting the spark plug wires in and i was wondering..i turned the engine over until the number 1 piston was at top dead center but i don't know if it was on the compression stroke or the power stroke? does it have to be on the power stroke to make sure that im installing the plug wire right or does it even matter? aslo ...my dipstick tube is hitting the alternator so i turned it so it wouldn't hit it ...i haven't started the engine up yet but does it matter what direction the dipstick goes in? thanks for all replies

 

Yes on the power stroke.
No on the dipstick.

 

the compression stroke is the power stroke, and yes when it blows out thats the compression stroke

 

Put your finger on the spark plug hole when turning the engine over the compression stroke will force your finger off. When the pistin is coming up on the exhaust stoke the exhaust valve will be open & no compression pressure.

 

You can also use a pencil or a screw driver to feel when #1 piston is at the top. And, be sure you have the right firing order. For a standard 302 it is 15426378 but for HO302 it is 13726548.