I had the bottom end of the engine in my Firebird rebuilt about two years ago (LT1 0.03 overbore). At the time I installed the heads, cam,etc, etc. and put the motor back in the car. It took me a few months due to time constraints but I got the motor in and ready to go. I kept the crank, rods, etc, etc sprayed with WD-40 before the oil pan was installed, then filled the oil pan with 5 quarts of oil. Poured oil on the rockers just before I put the valve covers on. Turned the engine over by hand while setting the rockers.

About 1 1/2 years ago, my mother became very ill and the project was put on the back burner. I am now ready to try to turn it over but I am concerned since it has been so long since the car was turned over. The car has been in an unheated garage the entire time.

Any suggestions on things I could do? Engine is in the car. Should I try to crank it with the starter? I just don't want to mess anything up.

 

What I would do is pull the injector fuse and crank it with the starter till oil pressure comes up.Do it a couple times.Replace fuse and start it.Its either that or pull the intake and prime it with a drill.

 

That sounds like a good idea. Don't think the drill method is a viable option for me.

Do you think it may have rust on the cylinder walls? I hosed the crank area down daily with the WD-40 right up until the moment I put the oil pan on.

 

It probably has some rust in the top of the cyl's. Take the plugs out and WD each cyl. Try to spray it all around the cyl,instead of just in the hole. Let it set for an hour or so and turn it over from the balancer bolt BY HAND. Turn it several times and stop if it gets really hard and spray again.
Then turn over with the starter with the plugs out and build oil pressure.
Install plugs,make sure it has fresh gas and fire it up and hold about 2500RPM's for a few minutes. Proceed with break in and hope ya didn't hurt the molly rings.

 

you could also use fogging oil in the cylinders. it can be found at any auto parts store.