Any good tips for firing up motor on engine stand?

Has the cam been broken in?.
Upon reflection,it seems to me that a flywheel and bell housing from a M/T is the best option.
A convertor would need support at the snout.While you could bolt up the entire A/T,You would also need to put oil in it to prevent damage to the front hub and pump.That would lead to problems in sealing the thing.I suppose you could cut the ring gear end off the TC and bolt that up, but I wonder if it would be rigid enough to stay engaged with the starter,during cranking. So, all in all, M/T flywheel seems to be the way to go.Besides somebody on FABO should be able to come up with a junker for cost of shipping.And a cracked BH would be cheap. Kinda depends on your time-frame though.

Whatever you do, take precautions as to FIRE. Gasoline loves to burn. It will consume your garage and house without regard to anything or anybody in it.