The timming chain cover is still on. but the valve covers are off.
I heard that I could take out the #1 plug and stick a long straw in there and I will feel the piston come to the top as I turn the crank pulley. Is this a correct method? I dont have any fancy tools or anything so I hope this is good enough

 

Please explain what you are doing so we can help

 

putting new push rods in and the old rockers back on.

 

Why do you need to find TDC? If you're just changing pushrods and rockers, you don't need to. If you need to set lash or preload, just rotate engine until the intake valve closes, and give it another 1/4 turn of the crank, and you are on the base circle, and can set lash or preload hyd's.

 

DOnt need to find TDC put the PR back in the car and tq the rockers to 22 ft/lbs and you are done.

 

You dont need to find TDC on #1 to do that.... install all the pushrods and rockers, and for simplicity TQ the rockers to 20 ft lbs and spin the motor over 1 complete revolution and then TQ to 22 ft lbs on all the rockers( a 3/8ths inch TQ wrench is great for this) you should be good to go.

 

ah whew, that saves me some time then. thanks