well, as this is my first true engine build, there are quite a few questions I have unanswered, so here I am again for some help. I went to install my new oil pump and started second guessing myself on a few things. first, the pump drive. is the supplied plastic sleeve good enough to hold the pump drive to the shaft, or should i go with a metal sleeve? second, Ive heard of people tack welding the pickup tube in place to guard against movement, mine is press fitted-weld or dont weld? lastly, I have heard of people packing the pump gears with vaseline or grease prior to a first start-why, and do I need to ? please put my mind at rest!!!

 

The sleeve will be fine.

Peace of mind, something has to keep it in place. I work with a lot of people who like to do slight braze (taking the valve and spring out prior), personally I like to weld a little brace to the pickup and bolt it to the pump.

No use on doing anything to the oil pump prior to install. SBC oil pumps are self priming.