I am planning on starting the spare engine I swapped in tonight. I did a head swap and a main seal and gasket refresh on the engine. To say the least, the engine was sitting for a long time before I bought it and had moisture in it. Will post pictures of what the engine looked like if i get it running but would not have recommended using this engine to a friend but I got it for basically free and super cheap gaskets in it. Anyway, the last engine only made it about 300 miles before getting a knock and I did not prime the oil pump before starting because I read you didn't need to. It took a good amount of time for it to build oil pressure at idle and wondering if this might have damaged the bearings because it took a while to get oil there. I made sure to lube lifters and push rod ends with lucas oil. Ive seen people take spark plugs out and just crank the starter to let it build oil pressure so thats what I was planning on doing as well as prefilling the oil filter. What have you guys done if anything? Any suggestions are appreciated.

When starting an engine that has sat for a long time, its a good idea to first fog the cylinders well with oil before doing so. You did change the oil and fill the filter so if you turn it over a few times (without the fuel pump fuse) and then start it up, the pump should be primed and you should be ok.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Thanks for the tips Dennis, got it started with out any issues so far.

[This message has been edited by BadNewsBrendan (edited 07-03-2019).]

I know it's a little late but we prime using a hand held pump like an A/C oil charger. Kind of like a caulking gun but has a fitting on the end of the tube that you can put on a hose. Then attach it where the oil sending unit would go. Prime until you feel resistance.