pre oil lifters?

I don't think it matters too much if you soak the lifters or not but pre-oiling the engine is mandatory . Put assembly lube on the lobes and lifters . Before start-up , put a hex tool on the oil pump and turn pump clockwise if a s.b., counterclockwise if a b.b. Rotate engine by hand until you see oil on rockers . this may take some time because rockers get oil every other revolution . I suggest an oil pressure guage directly on the block so you can see the pressure directly . the more you rotate the motor and turn the prime tool the more likely the lifters will fill with oil . Good luck !