Oil Priming on L31 Vortec

[Schurkey]

I use plenty of engine building lube at assembly.

That's all you need.

After installing engine with oil full and filter full, without spark plugs installed, I remove the fuel pump relay (prevents cylinder wash/hydro lock) and crank the engine until I get oil pressure and oil at the rocker arms. It's primed, no load on the bearings and I didn't have to do anything difficult.

You're loading the cam bearings. You're loading the lobes and lifters which might be important on a flat-tappet cam, but probably not on a roller cam.

None of that is needed. It's more ritual than useful.