New engine/transmission start up

Hey guys,

I have finished building my first engine and transmission. It's a 318 poly stroker (349 c.i.) and 727 with a Transgo TF-2. I am going to break it in on an engine stand. Being my first build, I being realistic that I'll probably have some issue to deal with, even if it's just a leak. I want to be able to fix it outside the car so it's easier to get to.

My question is mainly about the transmission. I know what to do to prep the engine for it's first start, but is there anything I need to do specifically for the trans other than fill the TC and get the fluid to the correct level? I used Assembly Goo on all of the friction surfaces and transmission fluid in the valve body and governor. I'll have it in neutral so the pump is going, although I think I read that the TF-2 causes the pump to operate in park as well.

Does the throttle linkage need to be hooked up? I'll have to run the engine in for 20 minutes at 2000-2500 rpm to break the cam in. I know it's not good to run a 727 w/o the throttle linkage, but does it matter with no load in neutral? Any advice I can get is much appreciated.

Oh, one other thing. Do you guys lift your engines with a manifold plate when you have an aluminum manifold? It would be much easier to use one, but it makes me nervous with aluminum.