I recently purchased a completely rebuilt longblock. It came with a high flow oil pump, but it is still in the box. Is it necessary to weld the oil pump pickup? Is this difficult? Or is there another way for it to be done and have it retain its reliability. Thanks
matt

 

Welding is good, if you dig around in the back of car mags there used to be a guy selling a bolt-on piece that holds the pickup in place without welding.

Personally I prefer welding. I see you're in Morristown...give P&W Automotive Machining in Whippany a shout: 973-887-1377. They have a nice shop, quick turnaround on work they did for me, and can most likely do the pickup welding.

They may want you to fit the pickup and pump together, and align it so that the pickup is spaced right for your pan. Or, they may just have you bring the pump, pickup, and oil pan in so they can fit it for you. See what they say.

If you can't get the bolt-on thingy, I'd go with welding.

 

i wouldn't weld the pick up to the pump body, if you do remove the spring first. i weld a brace on the pick up and bolt it to the pump, serves the same purpose and no danger of damage to the pump cover, or spring.

 

Ok I feel stupid what happens to the spring if you dont remove it first?

 

It's a remote possibility, but depending upon the ground path of the welding current, it is possible to stick the relief ball to its seat, rendering it useless. Too much oil pressure can be almost as bad as too little.

 

Allrighty, that brings up another interesting question. It is a long block, and does not have an oil pan. The question would be: can i reuse my 305 oil pan? Or do I have to spend even MORE money on this motor? Thanks
matt

 

83,

As long as the dipstick is on the correct side, and the rear main seal design is correct, you should be able to use the 305 oil pan. The stock pans are a little thicker than most aftermarket copies, so if the pan is intact and not beyond service, you might as well clean it up and use it. If you were thinking of a larger sump, different baffles, a windage tray, etc., now would be the time to make the changes - before the pump pickup is installed.

 

as long as the dipstick is on the proper side(55-79 or 80 depending who you argue with- had the dipstick on the drivers side- some GM Goodrich blocks had holes for a dipstick on both sides) and the rear main seal(2pice vs. 1 pice) is the same the oilpan will fit fine.

 

very good news. Thankee all very much. If i choose to paint it, should i use a special high temp paint? Thanks
matt

 

Paint the oil pump? Not sure why you'd want to...it's bathed in oil, buried in the engine.

 

I think he ment the pan, just use a can of your favrite spraypaint it worked fine for me till I got my chrome one.(big mistake- it wont stop leaking saving for an alumnium one)