Let's debate it ...oil pumps

[Josh Helm]

Hey guys

Just curious on everyone's thoughts on high volume high pressure oil pumps ? I have one in my current build and just got few miles on it ...but with my gearing and 33s i am only running 1200 rpms at 60 mph...and that's the thing with these oil pumps there made for high rpm ..and thoughts..my worked over sbc will roll over above 6500 but will rarely see that driving it ..just seeking opinions

 

[shiftpro]

There are high volume pump and high pressure pumps... not the same. Both these pumps require more power to spin, and put more stress on the gear too. The stock oil pumps in these engines are a wonder of engineering and imo all you need to do is match the intake port o the pump to the feed hole on the block.

 

[Josh Helm]

Your right i got a Milodon Small Chevy High/Standard Volume Oil Pump ..just worried at low rpm if my roller rocker tips might become dry ...due to oil pressure shooting oil to far ..i am running vortex heads with stock covers so should have plenty of deflection...either way I always overthink things..bad habit..just head bad stories from some not to run um low rpm and mine on idle warm throws warning for oil pressure ..but I hAve it set at 30 psi and lowest It went is 25 ..also it's break in oil which is super thin

 

[Rusty Nail]

I never at one time in my entire life have I ever considered any type of pump other than stock.

Ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Stock. The older engines don’t need much pressure to stay healthy. I think people make the mistake of correlating oil pressure and lubricity. That’s not the case. As long as you have the right amount of proper viscosity oil, a quality filter, and you keep up with the oil changes, the engine should take care of itself. I’d be concerned with seal stress and premature failure running at consistently high pressures. The rule you always hear is 10 PSI/1000 RPM. My 350 warm idles at 15, and I don’t worry about it.

 

[HotRodPC]

I myself don't feel high pressure pump is needed, but high volume pump is not all that bad of an idea on a higher performance engine, BUT should be used with an oil restriction kit to the top end.

 

[Blue Ox]

What HRPC (and others) said. Not necessary for a stock application, and even a lot of performance ones. Most engines will have drainback issues which leaves all the oil in the top end and none in the pan. Defeats the purpose of "improved" lubrication.

 

[Jerry phillion]

I agree with blue ox wholehardily. I never read anything about
Drain holes being checked. These holes have been factory drilled.
Can't remember, but they are 5/16 or 3/8" dia. Had a 350 van
Years ago that had a head gasket that was partially covering
The drain hole, causing oil to back up and get pushed past
Valve seals and guides. That sucker would sure use the oil
When on the highway. Took a rod same dia as drilled hole and
Tapped down restriction on gasket. Problem gone.

 

[Josh Helm]

Well thanks for input guys but it's kinda late now if I have issues I'll change it to stock one..

 

[idahovette]

Chevrolet used to say 3-5 pounds at idle , just enough to keep the red light from coming on

 

[idahovette]

Well thanks for input guys but it's kinda late now if I have issues I'll change it to stock one..

Been workin on it all night??

 

[Camar068]

back to my comment i made a while back. I wish they would create an oil flow gauge for the dash. The pressure we are going by now is an indication of flow right? Why not just measure what flow you have in the engine and give an indication of that.

Of course, to do that someone would have to come up with a "standard" flow number to go by so you'll know if it's good or bad lol. GM probably knows that, but I haven't seen it anywhere.

 

[Josh Helm]

And no not all night on that motors been in for a while been restoring my 82 sense spring..full frame up restore ...was just putting first few miles on it and was little worried cause was high pressure when getting into the throttle

 

[Josh Helm]

And today they run viscosity meters and all that has but not flow ...that sparks my interest as well

 

[shiftpro]

I believe a lot confusion comes from Fords. 70's Ferd BBs like the 390, 460, THEY had bad oiling systems. The oil ports in the crank journals didn't line up with the bearing shells. That was remedied by installing the bearing in the journal, and scribe the cast that was visible and then remove bearing and with a die grinder open the oil ports.
And then use a high volume (not high pressure) pump.
70's BB Ferds NEEDED a HV pump to live.