1987 225 deck height

[jetcar123]

I'm rebuilding a 1987 225 TXCUB. I replaced the two center pistons and rods along with all new rod and main bearings. During ***embly I bolted the heads on without gaskets so the pistons won't fall out while installing the crank. After everything was installed and torqued, including the bottom half of the crankcase, with the heads still on with no gaskets I noticed that there was a slight resistance when rotating the crank each time the center pistons came to TDC. Removing the heads and all was fine. The new pistons are about .002 above the block surface.
The head gaskets are fairly thick, so there is room. Anyone have any idea of what the deck height should be, or if I can just finish the ***embly?

[boats.net]

Were the spark plugs in? With the heads installed there should be slight resistance, however if you turn very slowly, feel for piston to head contact.

[jetcar123]

No the plugs were not in. Remember I said the heads were on loosely with no head gaskets.