Check ancillaries:
Double check all wiring connections, switches, seals, linkages and fuel/fluid lines to make sure nothing is astray
Pre-oiling:
First, be sure to use fresh clean conventional SAE 30 or 40 wt. oil and
a new filter. Fill the new oil filter with oil before installing. This
will allow the engine to achieve oil pressure quickly. Make sure you pre-oil the engine, preferably by running the oil pump using a socket extension and a drill with the distributor removed. *BE CAREFUL NOT TO DROP THE EXTENSION INTO THE SUMP*. You should check that you get oil up to both heads as well as register some oil pressure on a mechanical pressure gauge. If you dont get oil or pressure, do not continue.
Rotate the engine by hand:
Rotate the engine by hand a number of times with the plugs out to ensure that there is no interference in the engine before starting. If there is anything unusual or any contact do not continue. If you haven't already done so, double check timing and rocker adjustment.
Fire the engine (partly from comp cams):
When you fire the engine you must make sure that you have oil pressure. After having primed the oil pump, you should get oil pressure nearly straight away. I recommend run.
It is very important to “fire” the engine as quickly as possible. Timing the engine properly the first time will be necessary for the engine to start quickly. The following procedure is simple and effective. Rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation until the number one (1) cylinder is coming up on compression stroke. Align the timing mark on the balancer/dampener to the recommended factory initial timing setting, making sure that both valves on number one cylinder are closed. Install the distributor with the rotor pointing to the number one plug wire on the cap. The engine should fire up as soon as it receives fuel.
Camshaft Break-in Procedure (from comp cams):
Important: On hydraulic and mechanical (solid) flat tappet cams that require dual valve springs, the inner spring must be removed during break-in. This allows the lifters to establish rotation and develop a good wear pattern. As soon as the engine fires, bring the RPM up to 2000 to 2500 during the first 30 minutes of operation. Slower engine speeds will not supply the camshaft with an adequate amount of oil for the break-in period. The engine RPM may be varied periodically between 2000 to 2500 to direct oil splash different areas of the camshaft. After the 30 minute break-in period, change the oil and filter again to be sure all contaminants and break-in lube are remove from the engine. The inner valve springs can now be replaced.
Double check everything is ok:
Check everything is still ok after breaking in the cam. Lifters might need readjusting, seals may be leaking etc. Double check everything and fix all problems.
Road break in:
After breaking in the cam, I would suggest that normal "road break in" procedures are followed (varying RPM/speeds/loads, not sitting on highways cruising too long, not thrashing the engine) with a short oil change period. I would suggest changing after the first short drive to make sure there is no excessive material in the pan, at 100km, 700km and 1000km. You could change it less, but I like to find out if something is going wrong before too much damage is done. At each step cut open the oil filter and look for big debris, and check a magnetic sump plug for similar material. Replace with new oil and new filter each time.