I have used oilite bushings in a race car for many years with excellent results. Definitely more durable than roller bearings if your alignment is off when installing the trans. That being said my 2nd gen E prod race car has the roller bearing and I have replaced the trans with no problems and also have pulled and re-installed the motor leaving the trans in the car with no problem. The key is to be very careful in aligning things and never force it. I use neverseize to lube the bearing or the bushing.

 

ive taken apart a few cars that drove fine only to find out that the pilot was missing, it just doesnt seem to do a super critical job on a stock car.

i see no reason why bronze wouldnt work

 

No the pilot bearing only spins when the clutch is disengaged any other time the clutch is locking the input shaft to the flywheel and there should be no movement between the input shaft and pilot bearing unless you're clutch is slipping.

Teflon and kevlar won't hold up to the abuse, they will wear out way to fast. Oil impregnated bronze should work great. Drivetrain loss would be none because of said factor above.

I'm sure once dust from the clutch gets in there though it's life will be very short lived. But I have seen it done before on other vehicles with little to no problems.