Let me start by saying, I've had my share of milodon pump issues. If you want a pump that is trouble free, what you need to do is get a new gear set, and have the cover resurfaced and re-coated. I see rotational marks in the cover. That is how I can say this is not a new pump. Those minor scratches combined with the rounded edges of the gear set will have you losing the pump prime.
If you don't do these things, Than I would suggest teflon coated main and rod bearings. That way, on cold start the motor can run for a few minutes without oil pressure while you are waiting for the pump to come back to life.