I've been reading here about issues and problems with wiped lobes and all. I haven't built an engine in years, and have never built a 385. To make it worse, I am going on memory. My books are all packed away since I am in the middle of a move (until the lease expires and the renters move out of my own house.) I would be grateful for any and all advice.
Situation:
'86 460 on the engine stand, did a valve job. Cylinders and bottom end look excellent, no measurable wear on previous rebuild. Engine held high normal oil pressure before removal.
New RV cam and new lifters with Clevite roller chain and gears installed, straight up. I used moly assembly lube, not the white stuff. I used it liberally on the lobes and bearing surfaces.
I have not pumped up the lifters; I used the original push rods (very clean and all were straight.) Rockers torqued to 20 ft-lbs.

I intend to fill the crankcase and use a drill to spin the oil pump to get the engine oiled. Then I'll stab the distributor and spin the motor without spark plugs to oil it all up. Only after this will I try to start it.

Will this be adequate?
Should I pump up the lifters first?
I have never heard of running the engine at a certain RPM to break in a cam - How does this break it in?
What RPMs should I use?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

When you prime the oil pump turn the motor over a few times either by hand or using the starter. This will get the lifters pumped up and oil circulated through the motor. Do it with the valve covers off and you see oil at every rocker arm. Cranking the engine without fire has no benefit. It's better to have the engine start and run.
The reason for not letting the engine idle to break in the cam and lifters is so the lifters keep spinning until they can mate with the cam lobe and work harden some. Run it at about 1,800 for 15 minutes.

 

Keeping it running at a high rpm also keeps the oil flying around better so it's hitting and lubricating the cam and lifters during breakin.

 

As they all said, but keep an eye on oil pressure during break-in.