Building an engine on a stand?

[TexasRed]

Ok, Ive got an 1984 GMC SWB half-ton with a 305. I've got a 350 block, crank, and vortec heads. However the 84 I believe is a two piece rear main seal and the 350 I have is from a '93 truck. So it is definately one-piece seal.

Also, the exhaust manifolds on the 305 are ABOVE the spark plugs and I don't believe work with 350's, so I'm thinking I need new (to-me at least) manifolds that I'll probably port and then ceramic coat. I'd like to go with manifolds instead of headers as I'm in harris county, texas and they like to see stock stuff for emissions inspection. If I port them, I can get pretty good numbers, kind of close to headers.

I was talking with a guy who used to work at a wrecking yard, and he said that I should go to the truck model that the engine came out of and pull pretty much everything off because he built an engine once and had heck lining up all the belts (otherwise they'll fly off). He said he built it everything on an engine stand. Should I do that to ensure that everything lines up? I thought all the SBCs were the same. As in when you start bolting accessories on they match up, but he said he's found out that's not true. I've got A/C, PS, and smog pump so I'm not sure how hard it would be to build on a stand and then put into the truck.

Any thoughts?

And anybody got manifolds with AIR and possibly oxygen sensor bung (not really needed)?

Thanks for any help!

[werewolfx13]

Check scrap yards, those AIR manifolds always go straight to the junk piles.

I don't know of any easier way to build an engine than on a stand..

[TexasRed]

What I mean is building the engine with all accessories (PS, AC, Alternator, air pump) on the stand.

[VileZambonie]

Just transfer all of your components from your 305 onto your 350 and you'll have nothing to worry about. You'll have to get the flexplate from the 350 which is externally balanced. No need to mock it up on the stand with your accesories.

[werewolfx13]

Right. The alternator is about all I'd bother installing on the stand, and only if you don't have a smog pump directly below it. When I finish my new engine, it'll be going in with a new PS pump and alt already on it, but the AC compressor will just be moved over out of the way, since its got a fresh r-12 recharge, and I don't have a vacuum pump or r-12 compatible oil to completely recharge it.