Assembly lube

OK the first general rule is: NEVER ASSEMBLE ANYTHING DRY!!!

I've used "Bat's Blood" (Permatex Ultra-Slick or Torco MPZ) on several engines, and always had good luck. It's somewhat sticky so it stays put until it gets washed off by hot oil. Great for cams, lifter faces, valvetrain parts, and other pieces that only get indirect lubrication.

Cylinder walls get a wipe with oil, and the pistons get dunked before installation. Timing chain also gets dunked.

For bearings, it depends on weather or not I will be running the oil pump. If I prime, I generally just oil them well. If not, or if the engine will sit a long time before it's run, I use the goo.

I have also used the Lubriplate white grease, and a 50-50 mix of oil and STP. Most cams come new with a Moly EP grease packet which is enough to do the cam lobes.