First, the block was painted. Freeze plugs were pounded into place using the properly-sized socket (grin - there's actually a tool available for this, but a large socket works well). Don't forget to install the small plugs in the front of the block, just about the cam bore. There's also a selection of pipe plugs that need to be threaded into the block. It's easy to forget the one that sits on the left deck, just rearward of the #7 cylinder. There's also one above the oil filter pad (this is a good spot to plumb in an oil pressure sensor), and three threaded plugs in the back of the block.
Next, I installed the main bearings, and set the crank into place. The main bearing caps came next, and they were torqued to 70 ft-lbs on the inside bolts and 45 ft-lbs on the outside, per the instructions from the machine shop. Install the oil-pump pickup into the oil pump, and tack-weld it onto the pump housing so it can't fall out (yep, it's been known to happen). Before the oil pump gets bolted to the rearmost cap, install the oil pump driveshaft. Use plenty of assembly lube on everything.
Before the piston and rods can be installed, the rings need to be fitted to the bores. I did one set of rings at a time, installing them on the pistons as I went (using a set of piston-ring pliers). Ring gaps vary by use, so I recommend consulting your ring manufacturer and machine shop for advice.
Once the rings were installed on the piston/rod assembly (I had the machine shop hang the pistons on the rods), they were installed into their respective bores. Once again, use pleny of lube. The rod bolts were tighted according to Eagle's instructions.
This pretty much completes the bottom end. Easy, eh?
Install the cam into the block, being very careful not to damage the cam bearings (which were hopefully installed by the machine shop). Carefully tap the crank timing gear on the snout of the crankshaft, making sure that the key is fully seated into its keyway. Bolt the cam timing gear to the cam, using either Loc-Tite or a cam-bolt retention plate (or both!) on the cam bolts. Those things have been known to loosen up. Install the chain, being very careful to line up the dots on the gears. At this point, degreeing the cam is highly recommended to verify cam grind and timing.
Next up, the heads can be assembled onto the block. For stock head bolts, follow the procedure in the factory service manual. For aftermarket bolts, use the manufacturer's instructions. I install head gasket dry (without sealer), but some folks prefer to hit them with some variety of sealant.
At this point, I install the lifters into the valley, along with the associated hardware. This is a good time to install the LT1 oil pump drive, being very careful not to overtorque the hold-down bolt. It's a bit too easy to crack the hold-down tab on the oil pump drive, and you don't want this part coming out as you're taking a trip towards redline.
I then dimpled the block with a center punch along the intake rail (at the front and back of the motor). This provides some "tooth" to hold the RTV in place. You can also do this to the manifold. Clean the intake rails, apply a generous bead of RTV (I use the Permatex "Black" RTV), and install the manifold. I like to put a thin smear of RTV on the intake port gaskets, but opinion varies on this.
Install the front cover. I also smear this gasket with some RTV, more out of habit than anything else. Next, the rear main seal and adapter can be installed. Smearing some RTV into the timing-cover-to-block and rear-main-adapter-to-block junctions, the oil pan gets installed next and torqued to spec.
The basic motor is done at this point. You've still got to bolt up the accessory drive, Opti-spark, water pump, fuel rail, and all the little tidbits on the intake manifold. But, if you took your time, measured every clearance as you went, and double-checked every fastener, you've probably got yourself a motor that will last a long time. If there's ever a question as to what you're doing, consult the service manual, a trusted friend, or your local machine shop.