[Will]

Well, in that case, I'd let the shop assemble the shortblock for you. Installing a cam's a piece of cake, but if they'll include that in the assembly price, then might as well let 'em do it.

Here's a bit of advice though: Do EVERYTHING else that needs doing first, before having the shortblock built. That way, once the shortblock's done you can assemble the longblock, drop it in, and be ready to run. Most shops will offer a short warranty on shortblocks they assemble and you don't want that warranty to run out while you're trying to get everything else done that you want to do.

Also, if you have the time, ask the shop if they'll let you be present during assembly so you can see what all goes into it and learn more about it. I'm real lucky right now in that "Sunday School" for me is going up to my machinist's shop every Sunday and helping him with my engine, and other people's as well. I've really learned a lot from this, including the painful fact that it takes a lot of experience to be able to make accurate, repeatable measurements with a good micrometer.

Get it down in writing what you want and are willing to pay for ahead of time so there's no misunderstandings and you should be good to go.

Good luck! Building a new engine's always a lot of fun.

Cheers,
-Will