How do you set ignition timing on 1982 Honda prelude 1.8 single overhead cam?

Hi, you don't need a stroboscopic timing light to do this but it is better. If the distributor has been removed, remove the valve cover. You need to put cylinder one at top dead centre. Remove the spark plugs so you can turn the engine. Put cylinder one at TDC- you achieve this by having all three criteria met- the valves on cylinder one are closed (ie slack in both rocker arms), the timing mark on the flywheel can be seen thru the little opening between the engine and transmission, and on the cam pulley the Word up is pointing up and the two indentations on the inside of the cam pulley are horizontal with the top of the head. Then put the distributor back in with equal play when you turn it left and right in its hole. Put everything else back together. With Liquid Paper put a small white line on the timing mark on the flywheel. Start the engine. Turn the distributor until the white timing mark is beside the top of the small opening between the motor and transmission- the engine is now timed to 5 degrees before top dead centre. You can check this with a timing light if need be. As an aside I own three 1982 Preludes with the first one bought in 1988.