we had the distributor off while changing the clutch. Engine was turned several times. Does it matter what position the distributor goes back in ? It has a keyed end that locks in both sides of key are same size
How do you set it properly if not

 

The key is off-centered, so it should only slide in one way. It could slide in 180 out off, but it will take some force to install.

If you want to be sure, you can turn the engine to top-dead-center and make sure the rotor in the distributor is pointing to the #1 cylinder wire.

 

Easier to just look closely at the blade on the end of the distributor shaft. Notice it's off-center. Then look into the hole, you'll see the end of the camshaft has a slot that's off-center. Spin the distributor shaft wherever it needs to be. As long as you LOOK for the off-center blade, you'll see how it goes in.

If you only look at the crankshaft pulley (don't take off the valve cover), you won't know whether it's TDC #1 or TDC #4.

 

it can properly be installed 1 way,,,,,,,,,,just make sure that when in,, the housing is flush with the head before installing bolts