Cam bearings are pretty simple to install with the correct tool. Just make sure the oil holes line up. It would be nice to know what the oil presure was before tearing into it to give a clue as to the big picture related to the bearings. My experience has been if it needs any bearings, it likely needs them all. You just need to check it out and make a judgement call. I presume you intend to replace the cam bearings with the cam, just thinking out loud.
I quit picking engine stands up because I end up leaving engines on them... I have four, three in the barn, one in the shop, all full. I have two more at a friends place and I need to repo them soon to do the 427 from the t if he hasn't adopted my bad habit, lol. My barn is modern and more of a warehouse. I don't know what I would do without it other thank get rid of a lifetime of treasures and junk...Wow thanks! I owe you another favor.
I recently priced bbc parts for my 427 and as long as you are content with a basically stock motor as far as cast pistons, etc... The cost isn't that much more than a sbc, but shop around. The machine costs should be similar. The big difference is when you get into forged slugs, roller cam, etc... If you consider that a mild bbc will be stronger than a beefier sbc, to get the same end result would likely be equal in overall cost. Within reason. If you like it, build it!
That would make lining everything up easier. Mount everything as you want them and scribe or clamp and tack the bracket in place.
