You want TDC #1 on compression - set timing mark to TDC and you may be on or off 180 degrees (one rev of crank).

Any idea where the rotor pointed BEFORE you took out hte old dist? It should be about the same place now...#1 plug wire.

Remember, when inserting the dist, the rotor will turn a bit as the dis gear seats in the cam..so check for alignment after teh dist is sitting all the way down in.

As to fuel guage...you say it rises when the key is turned on? I see that on 50% or more of all cars...may be normal. Could be bad or weak ground, most likely at the tank end of things.