I was just reading a book I just bought ("How to Build the Smallblock Chevrolet") and came across this paragraph... "...check the torque required after each rod/piston is installed. It should not increase more than about 5 lb-ft per piston/rod... it shouldn't take more than 35 to 40 lb-ft to rotate the crankshaft; if your engine uses a rope-type rear main seal, it may take as much as 45 to 55 lb-ft." Granted this if for a smallblock V8, but hopefully this can help out at least a little bit.
