I managed to get the Distributor dropped in correctly! (At least I am believing that until we turn the key) I found the firing order and know that Pontiac's go counter clock wise. But the spark plug wires I have ordered are not working to go around the headers in the correct order on the distributor cap.  Is this a common issue, or am I doing something wrong. This has been a two and a half year project and we are getting close..... Please help. 

HI 64GoatGirl. Welcome to FP.

Most stock Pontiac spark plug sets have wires that vary in length. The longest plug wires go to cylinders #1 and #2, on either side of the very front of the motor. The shortest wires go to the closest to the dsitrbutor, to cylinders #7 and #8 at the back of the motor. So could the lengths be mixed up on some of your plug wires?

It is also possible that with headers that you may have to buy a set of unterminalted universal fit set of plug wires and cut them to length and run them to a spark plug wire loom on your valve covers to route them proper alway from the headers. That's not uncommon either. It's just time consuming but it's not hard.

Pictures help us visualize what problem you are having too.

Thank you! I got another set of spark plug wires, and it is all working out. The set I had had two wires under 22 inches and the shortest distance I had was 25 inches. I thought I was messing it up but it was an impossible situation. Another beginner question. We have a 1972 455 engine. The schematics of the engine says it fires in counter clock wise rotation. All the install videos I watch says clockwise.  But they were not on Pontiacs. I am looking for verification which way it will rotate.

Cheers~
JA