I'm glad to hear it's all back together, and I presume running well.
I don't think you replaced piston rings or camshaft so I don't think there's any need for break in.

 

For first start, I like to idle up to temp, then let cool before driving. Theory is to allow gaskets to seal completely. Glad it's back on the road!

 

300 miles in and all is going well for the most part. A few things I've noticed:

Consistent:

• I didn't change out the thermostat as it was recently done, however, it doesn't seem to get over 175º. Sits normally around 168º. Anyone consider this an issue?
• It has a slight stutter at idle. Hoping this is a vacuum leak that I need to investigate further.
• Slightly ticking/ knocking upon first start up. Smooths out once warmed up.

Happened 1x or intermittent

• Internal instrument lights flicker at random
• Upon first drive of the day it slightly lost power as I was accelerating. Once the engine warmed up, it smoothed out.

Any thoughts on the above are welcomed. I appreciated I am still in the paranoid stage after a big top end job.

 

Sounds like success all in all.
I think that many would consider 168° to be okay. Personally I think its a bit too low. It won't do any damage but I think our engines were designed to run most efficiently a bit warmer.

 

The first 300 miles will likely be used by the ECU to adjust adaptive values for the fuel trims. So roughness or driveability issues might be experienced until the fuel trims are settled. Any troubleshooting for those types of issues should start with reading live data, especially the O2 sensors, to make sure everything is in order.

If your T-stat is rated 185 deg F and you only get to 168, then your T-stat is probably defective (stuck open). But if it is rated 75 deg C (167 deg F), then it is working as it should. All engines are designed to operate within certain temperature ranges, using OEM t-stats. Maybe verify yours is rated per spec. The Workshop Manual calls for 88 deg C to start opening, that's about 190 deg F. Remember, the t-stat's job is to make sure the engine gets up to a certain temperature. I am sure some Forum members use lower temperature t-stats. I prefer to stick to spec.

My '96 ticks for about a minute when first started cold, then smooths out. Has not seemed to cause any problems for the last 13 years.... Good job getting back on the road!