can the engine be timed 180 degrees out from the electronic timing

Yes the distributor can be installed in any position so it is possible to get it 180° out. Remove #1 spark plug - put finger over plug hole - have helper ‘bump’ start until you feel compression coming up - now put crankshaft balancer on the top dead center mark (0) .. Check to see if distributor is pointing to #1 on dist cap.. Easy as falling off a log if you’re savvy. Good luck!