Do you need to use a special installation lube or can you just coat with oil?

Oil is fine.

the no-no's-

Dirt
Nicking the throws with the rod bolts
Not doing a final check with Plastigage
Not checking crank end-thrust
Installing the rear main seal backwards
Neglecting to torque the oil pump
Forgetting to install the oil pump drive rod
Not priming the motor with the proper priming tool prior to first-startup

I have made all these mistakes- and a few others that don't jump to mind right now.

Oil is fine if you dont have bottle of assembly lube , good luck and if you run into a prob shoot a p.m. to jeff1000man

I like to use the Torco assembly lube or Michigan 77 bearing guard. I mix the Michigan lube with 50 wt. Pennzoil . This will stay on the crank journal and bearings until start up. 10W30 on piston skirts, rings, and cylinder walls. And plenty of it!