Trans (&engine) install ?'s (anyone near Sacramento willing to come by & help?)

I live in S. Texas so even though I wouldn't mind coming over to help it's simply too far. But I do have a couple of words of advice. Try and hook up any type of mufflers to the headers simply to keep the noise down so you can hear the engine during break in. Many times open headers are so loud if you have a loose rocker or an engine knock you'll never hear it till it's too late. The other suggestion (strongly recommended) is to have the rear tires off the ground on some good jack stands when you start filling the trans with fluid. It's almost impossible to get the trans and converter without running the trans through the gears. The absolute best way to make sure that your trans lasts a long time is to make sure that it's completely full before you drive the car down the street. Also, if you can get or borrow a good carb off a good running engine (close to your engine size) you'll have a smoother break in without having to try to adjust the carb as you keep the RPMs up for cam break in.
GOOD LUCK!!
Treblig