Jeepers! That's a comprehensive bunch of great advice. Almost makes me feel like I should tear-down my engine and start all over again ;-)
Two problems I ran into: one main bearing bound a bit by way of the flanges -- the machinist sanded a down a bit, measuring crankshaft fore and aft play as he went along -- and one of the head bolts would come up to torque, but continue to allow further tightening repeatedly after running the engine for a while. I, finally, pulled the bolt and blew out the hole. It appears that somehow oil from lubing the pistons had got into the bolt hole. So, along with heeding all the advice about cleanliness, make sure the bolt holes in the block are clean and dry. Oh yes, be scrupulous about making sure the coolant circulation holes in the head gasket line up perfectly with the coolant passages -- trim as required to make it so. I, for one, would be interested in hearing if, after doing so, you also experience the seemingly high temperature readings at idle that so many of us do. Have fun,
Bob S.