Anyone know if there is a way to prime the oil system in the car before trying to fire up the car initially after its been rebuilt? Only asking my dad said to do this but he's more experienced in old school V8's.

you can unplug the efi fuse on the fusible link on the battery and try to start it.

It will turn the motor, but not fire, pumping oil through the motor.

Or, if you've still got the timing belt off, you can spin the oil pump gear with an impact or air gun. But, what Jbone suggested is good as well.

Cranking did not work for me, not enough RPMs to get it started... Here is what I did:

Took off the oil pressure sensor
Threaded the outside of a socket (yes the outside) to fit the filter housing.
I then crammed a clear tube into the end of the socket and wrapped it with tape.
Then, like goat practicing for the upcoming get together, I started sucking.
Once I had pulled oil through the pickup, through the pump, and into the tube I plugged the tube and went back to cranking the engine. Within a few seconds... Oil!