Swapping engine that's been sitting in the garage for 3+ years

[Motorhobo]

My engine is reaching the end of its top-end life. I have another one that was rebuilt before I acquired it. It's been wrapped in plastic sitting in the far corner of the garage since...well, I don't know, probably 3 or 4 years. Are there any considerations with swapping in that engine after it's been sitting dry and idle? I did not do any prep on it after pulling it off its original owner except plug the open bores to keep the critters out.

Thanks for any info...

Van

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I would think that if it was assembled with a paste/grease assembly lube it should run on it long enough to pressurize the lubrication system. 

Pull the valve cover and make sure there is some lubricant on the cam lobes and the followers.

One thing I would do is fill the oil filter and the engine with oil and spin the engine with the starter while the spark plugs are out for 10-15 seconds to pump the oil through all the passages before starting.