Installing Oil Pump

I'm rebuilding a 3.2 to go into an MTX car. Using mainly the 3.0 accessories but using 3.2 oil pump (based on what I've read on the forum and comparing the 3.0 and 3.2 pumps, the gerotor is definitely bigger on the 3.2 (didn't know what a gerotor was prior to this). I understand there will be a gap in the timing cover by doing this.

I have the pump apart to clean it and check the clearances. Everything looks good and clearances confirmed against the SHO engine build book.

I did a quick test fit, with the internal gear alone (with the machined hole to fit the crankshaft) and noticed it was not a tight fit on the crank. Tried it on two different cranks thinking perhaps the first crank had been machined. Then I checked the 3.0 oil pump and noticed the same thing.

I was expecting a tight fit, it's definitely not that. I read that front mount pumps need to be centered on the crank. Is there any special method for doing this? I've seen it mentioned here: https://www.enginebuildermag.com/2014/07/front-mounted-oil-pumps-good-troublesome/ but have not seen any reference to any specific procedure on the forum.

Or I just bolt it up and go? Any concern about priming it and if so, how?

 

Thank you for the crazy fast response! Once I can get the stuck on old gasket off the old oil pump I’ll be off and running.

 

What you need for that gap in the TB cover.....

 

Hi Nick, I did see you post on this somewhere on here. I definitely want to cover it up because it gets grimy down there.. I haven't gotten that far yet, still working cleaning off dirty and rust off of everything.

What's the copper pipe for?

 

Bob Herguth in Sacramento made it while I was doing the 3.2 upgrade on his car. I'm pretty sure that one of the cover bolts goes through it.