I need to install some form of Linux on a server with an Adaptec SCSI
RAID-5 2100S array with 3 Seagate hard drives. The array is
properly configured. I would prefer (ideally) using the Reiser4
filesystem and not having an additional primary IDE hard drive from
which to boot. It's purpose is to be a Subversion (SVN) file server.
To give you an idea of my level of expertise, I know my way around
Linux, but have never compiled a kernel.

What flavor of Linux should I select (with a focus on stability) and
what detailed steps should I take to install the drive?

I've already tried installing FC2 and FC3 Test 1 with no success
(neither recognize the array). I know I may be able to install a
primary IDE drive and run raidutils after installing Linux. If this
is the only option, what detailed steps should I take?

I've installed RH9 on adaptec IDE and SCSI RAID's, as well as LSI and QLogic controllers. Most were pretty simple. They allowed me to extract the appropriate drivers to a floppy, so when installing I use the linux dd command to tell linux there is a driver diskette containing the drivers for the RAID controller. This usually works, but it depends on the manufacturer and driver type.