I hope I am describing this right, but here goes. Just removed the flywheel and had it balanced (looking to remove some vibration at higher RPMs).

When I removed it I noticed a thin arc of metal shaving but did not think that much of it at the time.

Now I go to put the flywheel back on the car and see that I do not have a locating dowen/pin on the flywheel anymore. Proceed to install the flywheel and noticed the flywheel bolts getting tight,, but I could NOW see that the flywheel was not flat against the crankshaft hub.

Then I removwe the flywheel and see that a ridge is now build up on 40 degrees or so inside the flywheel mount opening. Not real bad though but keeping it from making flat contact all the way around.

1) Is it real importnat to use the locating pin on a flywheel install? (Seems the crank hub being so tight a fit will locate the flywhel where it can only be!)

2) Could this be the source of my vibration at higher RPMs?

3) Could I just file off the build up ridge and lube the mounting ID of the flywheel? Then carefully tighten the bolts in circular pattern?

Thanks and sorry for the long explanation

No dowel pin is required, some I have assembled have not had the dowel pin, just align the holes up.

Yes, flywheel must be flat against crankshaft flange. Use whatever means to make the correct interface, remove the "edge/chip" and install flywheel squarely.

Tighten bolts in a cross hatch pattern after using three bolts in triangular pattern to mate flywheel to flange squarely.

With a chip between flywheel and flange, this could have been a vibration. Pressure plate should have been balanced also, but most are pretty much balanced as delivered, but doesn't hurt.

Thanks Everett - I removed the edge/chip and installed the flywheel using a thin coat of grease. The bolts were then tightened in a cross hatch pattern like you said. Started the motor and it seemed to have noticeably less vibration.
I believe now that the flywheel was setting against the edge chip and torqued to 60 lbs. Never looked back. I am hoping that when I put the pressure plate back and start the car it is still as smooth.

Cool! You're welcome.