Without the added flywheel mass of the torque converter, the engine will be hard to crank and will be very erratic, if you get it running.

Drain the torque converter and bolt it to the engine. Don't rev over 2,000 ish as the converter will have some wobble since it isn't bolted to the trans and make sure all wiring is away from converter. Also prop the engine up to prevent the fan from hitting the rad / hoses.