Larry, when its time to assemble the cam and lifters, use a thick grease made for cams. I really load the cam lobes up and then only turn the engine over as few times as needed to set the rocker arms. Most of the time I can get away with one full revolution. I build a lot of Pontiac motors, and on those, I can add more cam lube from the top before installing the valley cover. I leave nothing to chance. Same when installing the transmission / clutch, don't rotate the engine anymore then needed.
Grease will stay on the cam for a long time, the liquid cam lubes also work if you plan on starting the engine right away.
As with any engine start up, being ready is just as important as what you use in the engine. Have a good working, full of fuel carb, distributor as close to in time as you can get, and a battery fully charged. Don't try to start it unless you have the time for a full break-in, not even a test fire. Once it starts, let it run and get the rpm up asap. Don't bother setting anything other whats needed to keep it running, do all the tuning later.
Joe
