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Trying to set timing at 18 degrees as called out on the 31 chevy web page and my grease cup hits the block before the points are to open. Is there a way to reposition the distributor to give more room?

are you trying to set the flywheel to 18 then spin distributor until the points open ??
if so that is NOT how i do it

i spin the engine by hand then set my point gap, set distributor in the position where the grease cup is almost parallel with the engine, then spin and set the timing on the flywheel, then set valves, spin 180 deg set valves. and fire it up and tweak it from there

when set at 18 deg the rotor should point towards the No1 Plug Wire.

It will be necessary to move the distributor gear one tooth. It is best to put the engine on T(op) D(ead) C(center) or OIC marked on the flywheel. Take off the distributor cap and note the position of rotor and the slot in the top of the distributor body. You can loosen the screw that clamps the body to the plate and lift the distributor up and out. Note how much the rotor moves as it is removed. Look down into the hole and rotate the oil pump shaft the amount of one gear slot. Rotate the rotor the same amount and reinsert the distributor in the hole. The distributor body should sit down against the plate. If not remove and readjust the oil pump shaft slightly. Once the body is fully down, put it all back together.

Hi Dave

I would add just one thing to the good advice BearsFan and Chipper have given.

Before attempting to remove the distributor for any reason, note where the clamp that holds it in the block is located on the stem of the distributor.
Mark it if possible or necessary.
That way you will know if the distributor is in far enough and engaged with the oil pump properly when you are done.

Good luck! :-)

Thanks.