Crankshaft Oil Slinger is it a must or not???

When I rebuilt my hot street 318, I installed the front timing cover and gasket with RTV, then on went the harmonic dampener and everything was torqued to spec....I looked over on the table and I saw my oil slinger sitting there!!!! DAMN! I wasn't gonna undo what I just did, so I left it out. The engine has been running fine with no leaks for 5 months, and I REV the heck out of it every chance I get. But had I known, I would have installed it. Either way, with or without one, I think you will be fine...