Current bitch list:
Do I NEED oil pressure/oil at all to start the car?
Do I NEED backpressure?
Does my EGR NEED to be hooked up?
Do I NEED to block off the hole where the air pump goes completely, or will a so-so job work?

Keep in mind, i'm gonna fix all this stuff before I drive it, i just wanna know whats keeping it from starting. Ported motor, no fuel computer, hasn't started yet...

 

Do you need oil? No, if you're fixing to break her down for a rebuild right after you finally get her started

Believe it or not, backpressure (or lack thereof) can screw with you. Lots of guys have had problems right after installing a wide open exhaust system (including me), that somehow magically get better as the car is driven... ECU can't learn, my ***...That's for you, J-Rat (where you been?)

Without the EGR "hooked up" as you call it, you could have a massive vac leak, which may prevent starting. Do you have a block-off plate covering the passages?

What are you talking about? The air pump hose to the ACV? If your check valve is bad under your ACV, that may create problems for you, also (exhaust gas related).

Have you tried injecting oil into the rotor housings to help build compression for the initial startup?

 

If you don't have a bit of backpressure.........supposedly the car has a real hard time starting. And yes you need to have oil pressure at start up.