after the bottom end is put together, (454 rods, pistons,and crank) how hard should it be to turn it over with a socket by hand ?

Harder than my 406 SB was by a bunch, imho!!

pdq67

It will be pretty stiff because of the friction of new rings against honed (rough) cylinder walls.

thanks guys, it just seemed to be a little to tight, but maybe it's not.

Just starting to get nervus as this comes together. Get ready for a bunch of ?'s as time goes on.

Shortblock should be not to bad to turn...like Bill said with a ratchet should be some resistance.

Now, with the heads on...

Depends on your heads & springs, but mine got pretty darn tight once the heads were on and your rotating against the valve springs (mine has roller springs), etc...especially if you got the spark plugs in. lol.

Shaun,
If the cylinder walls were properly finished, and you dont have any rings "stuck", you should be able to turn it over pretty easily with a 1/2" drive ratchet. This is just the rotating assembly.

thanks guys.
Guess I'll finish putting it together and I'll then find out for sure when I go to start it.

My SB took just over 25 Lbs/Ft with the torque wrench to "break it loose." Somewhat less once it was turning. Your BB will probably take a bit more (heavier parts and more ring "area").