On the other hand I kind'a like the idea of installing the body after the connections are worked out standing over the chassis rather than the time-honored work under the body AND (!) I can chunk out the cost of individual parts and install them piecemeal compared to a large piece of change all at once for the 'glass body. Anyhow, I just thought I can use the chassis as a test stand and save time. I have to study the break-in procedure and WHY NOT go through the break-in with only the trans without the drive shaft? I just know I need to lube the cam with the right stuff, use good oil and change the oil after the break-in. I let you guys heckle me because I really have not worked on a SBC before and I do have a lot of questions, but this is certainly not the first engine I have rebuilt and the general procedures should be the same. I am merely pointing out that you might as well use the chassis as the engine test stand if the body is not there yet.
Over the years I have seen many other rods built as rolling chassis in several car magazines; it looks like one way which works to me!

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder