Like DVW said, I'm interested to see if the crank passes the mag test.
The pickup needs to be a lot closer to the bottom of the pan.
Plastigage for checking clearances isn't even close. All it does is tell you if you have clearance or not, lol. Get a 2"-3" micrometer and a dial bore gauge.

Those Milodon sandwich plates aren't known for flowing real good. Not saying that's your issue, but I'd look into other options like using a Milodon cover on top of that HV pump.