I'm building a 400+ HP 383 (all Ductile Crank assembly) and need an opinion on Oil Pumps. Which type is better for the engine: Std. Volume or Hi-Volume? And secondly are the high dollar pumps necessary? I'll be using a 7qt. pan that will require a slightly longer pick-up. I'll be running mostly Street but occaisional Bracket. [This message has been edited by Changa2 (edited April 05, 2001).]

If you aren't doing anything to the bearings that increases the engine's internal oil consumption, like grooving the top half of all the mains and cross-drilling the crank and all that sort of thing, then the std volume is fine. High pressure is a good thing though, use the Mr Gasket part # 26 spring which will raise the pressure to 55-60 psi. Use the longer pickup screen if necessary. The Melling pump is M55, the screen is 55S, 55S1, 55S2, or 55S3. Just look at them and pick the one that fits your pan the best.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

Yea, what rb said. You really don't need to do much to the oiling system of SBs in most case. Get the clearances right and ensure good oil drainback and control. Everything else manages itself in most cases. Don't skimp on the oilpump drive shaft.

agree melling m55 with the mr gasket #26 spring

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ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond Lodge 538 F&AM

Thanks Guys. The good old second opinion is invaluable.

one thing that is often overlooked and can be the most important (and I almost forgot about), is the distance from the pickup to the bottom of the pan. Shoot for 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch from the bottom. And don't try to cut corners. If you can, find a bolt-on pickup that is made for the pan you intend to use.

[This message has been edited by jcb999 (edited April 06, 2001).]