Did you use Plastigage to measure the clearance between the crank journals and bearings? Shims are typically used to set the clearance, and if this wasn't measured and shims not used, it will be too tight. If the clearance wasn't measured and set to specification, I would go back and measure it and shim as needed. It's been some years since I rebuilt my 54 235, but I don't remember it being to tight to turn.
Samantha
