That is odd. The book says that when the cam timing marks are lined up, the engine will be at top dead center, but it doesn't specify compression or exhaust strokes. I always assumed it was compression, but I have mostly worked on diesels.

Drop a push rod in each of the front 2 holes, and then turn the crank 90 degrees in the normal direction. If neither rod comes up, you are on the compression stroke TDC, and timed correctly. If the second one starts to come up, then you were on TDC exhaust and the intake is opening, and it is 180 degrees off. 

Worst you might have to do is if the distributor is 180 degrees off, just move all of the plug wires 180 degrees and you'll be back in time. Someone did this on my 1650 at some point before we bought it.

Let me know what you find out, and I'll do some double checking on the cam timing marks.