Is the counter weight that.bolts onto the camshaft of 1956 t bird..a necessary part ?

[Darrisglen]

While replacing timing chain ans gears...car is 1956 t bird..w 312 y block...I noticed the counter weight that bolts onto camshaft ...and the oil drip through plate that bolts on the front of the block behind cam shaft gear ..were missing.Appears those 2 parts havent been on.car for long time....had car over a year...no engine problems..
The screw hole where oil drip.should be was gunked up..but rest of block was clean..
Opinions please on whether those 2 parts are neccesary to find and replace...thank you for your time...Darris