Head bolts torqued last night and feeling really good about it. I was very careful to consult multiple videos, posts here, and the manual to be sure that I didn't miss anything.
Since I'm building the top end in the frame I thought about putting the pistons in the cylinder first then installing wrist pin clips afterward... but once I had it mocked up in the frame it was too hard to get to the pins. So I took the pistons back out. But it was a good practice to see what it feels like to compress the rings. Strong taper on the sleeves meant it was pretty easy (at least on the bench).
![](https://i.imgur.com/DDGQCS4.jpg)
Very very carefully (very streddful and sweaty) installed the cylinders on pistons. Successfully! I know there are two large dowels missing in the photo.
![](https://i.imgur.com/BJgwvke.jpg)
Here's where I'm at now. Cam shaft and guides are in. Waiting 24 hours to retorque head. Then I set cam timing and tensioner.
Question about the tensioner - I couldn't see #$%* obviously since the engine is in the frame, but I inserted both into the channel and they both seemed to find their spot rather easily. The tensioner guide (rear) I'm certain went into the horse shoe because I could lift the horse shoe up and down by moving it. The front guide, I inserted and it seemed to go into its recess because now I can't pull it out.. haha. I did spin the engine and it seems to be in the right place relative to the chain.
![](https://i.imgur.com/t8aSuYc.jpg)