There were issues in getting the fuel to prime, but I am now able to start it, but....

Car has no power. It can hardly be put into gear without stalling, and top speed seems to be about 20 mph. I confirmed that the clear fuel filter was installed the right way.

A different mechanic looked at it, and he also said that it was the rings. So now I've got two mechanics saying the same thing., and I believe that I will have to junk the car, unless a good engine just happens to fall my way very soon. I'm not in a place where I can keep the car stored.