Check out the Tech Article (DIY) section for a post entitled EDI Engine Timing. There are illustrations in that thread that will tell you how to get the engine to proper TDC #1. But yes, you can turn the engine over until you feel your finger getting pushed off of the #1 plug hole and then align the marks (there are two).

 

Finally, back together also replaced wires (broke one, oops).

Runs, idles and drives great, better than it ever has in the one year I've owned it.

Thanks for all the help!!

Wish I could say the final saga, unfortunately I have a date with oil cooler lines next weekend. All new brakes in the very near future. And a light tranny leak. Gotta love these Blazers

 

maybe i should try replacing my entire distributor unit too...