Have you tried spinning the engine for a few seconds with the ignition off to build oil pressure? That won't make the bearing clearance any better, but it should minimize any further damage until you have the 261 ready to install. The old Caterpillar bulldozers with the gasoline pony engine used to get spun for a couple of minutes on a cold start with the compression relieved until the oil pressure came up before opening the Diesel throttle and starting the main engine. Spinning a stovebolt starter for 10-15 seconds before switching the ignition on won't hurt anything, as long as the starter and the battery are in good shape.
It only takes a few bolts and a little time and effort to lift the front end sheet metal off as an assembly- - - - -that makes the engine swap a lot simpler, and also eliminates any possibility of scarring up that nice body and paint work!
Jerry
