Yep, plastiguaged them to specs. I actually tore the engine apart a few months after I rebuilt it because it wouldn't turn over. I used a fine grit emery cloth, rechecked the bearings, and resealed it.
Even then, it took me with a large screwdriver on the flywheel, another person on the fly wheel, and my father with a pipewrench on a steel bar in the harmonic. All of that and we were only able to get it to move about 10 degrees. At the time, my father said it was fine and normal, but since then every guy with a 235 or similar I've talked to said they could turn it much easier than that. And I did use a rope seal if I remember right, so that's a good thing to check.
As you said, it's time to stop rushing and take my time. Gonna go back, double check everything, and get my engine running smooth and to specs before I do anything else. Bought all the materials to fashion myself my own engine test stand today. It's basically just a floor box that I'll transfer the engine to when it's done being fixed on the stand. Nothing fancy but it'll allow me to start it off the frame.
For rebuild the engine, all I have to go on is a reprint of the 1957 chevy shop manual and the owner's manual. So far that's done pretty well, but are there any other resources available I'm unaware of?
Thanks a lot for the help by the way, I appreciate how well you all put up with us new and unlearned guys!
