the dist. cap gives me the firing order of 1,5,3,4,2,6 the repair manual
tells me the cylinders are numbered front to back left 1,3,5 right 2,4,6
but that doesn"t work. can anyone tell me the right numbering of the
cylinders?

Why doesn't it work.
If the engine will not start put the flywheel on Top Dead Center and
look at the rotor,it should be on #1.If not rotate 180 °.
Good Luck.