When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I wouldnt have a problem using regular engine oil, it just depends how long the engine is going to sit before it actually gets running. Some people will assemble an engine, and it'll sit for months or maybe even a year before it is fired, in that case you'd probably want to use an assembly lube that sticks to everything better, as engine oil can eventually drain off. Personally i'd use something like 15w-40 or maybe 20w-50, as its a little sticker.
One place i worked we had access to all the lucas engine oil additive we wanted, and we all used that as assembly lube. It worked great, REALLY sticky stuff.
You can find that lubriplate stuff at any parts store, i've used it before....i dont like it, but thats just because the white color grosses me out for some reason. It lubes fine though i guess. I have torn engines down that only ran for a little bit, and found it doesnt dissolve real well in oil, it does but it takes a long time. Not sure what that says about it....
If you buy a cam, or any valvetrain component, they usually come with a little pack of that red assembly lube, it's labled under a bunch of different names, but i suspect it's all the same stuff. It's nice and sticky, worked fine for me.