Seeking advice for a budget iron block build

[RainyP71]

Ended up going with Total Seal stainless rings, got a deal on a set I couldn't pass up. All parts going to the machine shop this week for balancing. Question about that, do I need to install the oil pump gear, timing gears, reluctor wheel and balancer on the front snout for balancing? I cannot figure out if the internal oil pump gear and timing gears need to or even can be installed for balancing. Or do we just balance with the harmonic balancer on the front?

Another question: I have billet gears for the oil pump. Does the backing plate of the pump housing need any anerobic sealant?

Edit: after finally finding some photos, I think I've answered my own question with the oil pump gear. Only thing holding the gear onto the crank is the oil pump housing itself, so I'd balance without the gear. The balancer, reluctor and timing gears can be installed because there is a step on the crank they seat on THEN the pump gear goes on that thicker section. I was thinking the oil pump gear had to be installed to torque the other components tight to the crank snout.

 

[01yellercobra]

Talk to your machine shop. They should be able to tell you what all they need for balancing. That being said I usually only hear of the flywheel and damper being needed as far as what's outside the engine. I don't think the oil pump and timing gears are big/heavy enough to have an impact on a street engine.

Just remember the stainless rings need pressure to seat because they're so hard. The engine will need to see some high load in the first 20 minutes.

 

[RainyP71]

10-4 thanks. Once I get it installed, I'll make sure to get some high rpm loaded driving in.

 

[01yellercobra]

It's more about the pressure than the RPM. When I built my last engine it saw full boost the first couple hits. Thankfully I already had a decent tune.