Ok, after 4 months, I think my car is ready to be fired up. But i'm a little itchy about turning the key just yet. It's my first time tearing the head off and am afraid of forgetting something important.

What do you think I should check for before, during, and after firing her up?

Hehe, I was pretty worried about that myself. Check that the oil and coolant are topped off, make sure you tightened down all the bolts to their spec torque, check for loose electrical connectors/plugs. Other than that, take a deep breath and crank her up.

It may take a few cranks to get it started, mine did. I cranked it on and off for about 5 minutes before it started up, then it blew a bit of smoke and had a very low idle... but it all went normal after a spin around the block.

If I missed anything, I'm sure someone will add to it. Good luck!

Make sure timing is right on the cams. There isn't anything like bent valves in a new motor.

Laterz