318 LA rebuild after losing a valve seat

OK here is a simple test for you.

With all the pistons out and block upside down. Put one piston and rod on, out in the open with the piston standing straight up. Now with the rod cap snugged up try and rock the rod back and forth to see that it is free on the crankshaft journal.

Betting it is going to be tight.

Wrap a towel around the piston and skirt during this test to protect it so it won't get chipped by accident.