Okay, just looking for a little advise. We rebuilt a small block Chevy about 5 years ago. We haven't run this motor at all as we have been working on other parts of the Camaro. Before we start it up, should we change the oil that we originally put in the rebuilt motor? I was worried about condensation forming in the motor even though it was pretty much sealed up. What do you think?

 

If it’s clean oil and the motor has never been run, it will be fine. Use it as a break in oil and change it after a few hours of runtime.

 

If the engine has been stored indoors, and, as you stated, sealed up, the oil should be OK; pull the dipstick and take a look at it. If you still have any doubt though, replace it with fresh oil.

One thing you're going to need to do before firing it is to thoroughly pre-lube the engine using an oil pump priming tool and a drill motor. Don't skip this step; if you do, firing that dry engine will likely cause you to be rebuilding it again.

 

That will require me to pull the intake manifold as this is a LT1. But, if I have to I will. It is stored outside but under shelter.

 

If there is assembly lube on all of the bearing surfaces, I would pull the spark plugs, squirt a little bit of WD40 in each cylinder so they aren't completely dry and crank it over with the starter with the plugs out and fuel off to build some oil pressure. Then, put the plugs back in and fire it up.

 

We just bought a bore scope and will take a look inside each cylinder before and after hand cranking a few turns. If all looks fine, I'll spin it over with the starter and look again. Last year we sprayed foam inside each cylinder. Wish us luck.

 

Stored outside? I would change the oil just to play it safe. Why take a chance just to save $30 or $40 ?
I would also prime it again before startup...