I've always liked to measure the torque required to turn the crankshaft after each component is installed. With just the crankshaft (and front and rear main seals) alone, only a couple of ft-lbf should be needed. Each piston-ring-rod usually adds about 3 to 5 ft-lbf. With all of the pistons, about 15 to 30 ft-lbf is usually needed, if I recall correctly. If you are using a '54 crank pully, a 3/4" square-drive wrench fits the center hole and makes it easy to turn the crank.
Hoyt
