49TruckNut,

Here is my two cents. Priming the system is always a 'plus' and can be easily done with the distributor removed. A small drill rotated clockwise can be inserted into the distributor hole. Look at the drive tang on the end of the distributor drive and this is the little doo-dad you will have to replicate to attach to your drill and stick into the female slot in the oil pump.

Most modern head gaskets go on dry. I think the blue coating IS the factory sealant...nothing extra needed.

I have always installed the intake/exhaust gaskets dry. Any sealant here will disappear in nano seconds. This isn't a place for goop or sealer.

Set all your points, plugs timing and carburetor just right and your new engine will fire up on the first couple of cranks. Good luck.

Stuart