^ this. Gotta ensure mechanically it's right first. So verify the crank dampener isn't f'd as well as distributor is in right.
Another quick way: you can remove a few upper timing cover (plastic top front piece) bolts and should be able to see the cam's timing marks. From there, rotate crank to what its TDC mark is and see if it all aligns with cam marks. Further, at the Cam's TDC marks you can pull off the distributor cap and verify rotor is pointing at the #1 cylinder spark plug wire pin. You're getting close.

Also, if you get totally burnt out on it, look up the 3.4 swap... Getting CA legalized is hard, but not impossible. I did it. And I'll never look back. But there's a healthy budget and even healthier amount of time needed to accomplish that... Something to ponder.