Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

What determines what oil pump I should buy?

BBC, 454.
Stock pan.

Shaner wrote: ↑Wed May 15, 2019 7:52 pm What determines what oil pump I should buy?

BBC, 454.
Stock pan.

Nothing wrong with a stock Melling.

I guess what I mean is should it be high volume?
are there different selections, different characteristics, something that I should look for other than just a normal pump?
Is type of oil thickness an issue?

If you have normal bearing clearances a standard volume pump is all you need.

The Moroso 22150 pumps are very good.

Anything more than you need is a waste- and heats the oil. Look the ST line of Melling.

I like high volume pumps. I'd rather have the extra volume and not need it, than need it and not have it. The more 'backyard' or budget the engine is, the more I like the extra volume. lol

I was under the impression high volume pumps were beneficial with piston squirters, valve spring oilers and so on. If you're trying to force more volume through the same restrictions, wouldn't that just put more strain on the pump gears, shaft and associated parts along with heating the oil unnecessarily?

tenxal wrote: ↑Thu May 16, 2019 8:00 am The Moroso 22150 pumps are very good.

I like this as well.

stock pan use a std oil pump, beter spring. That is all you need!
Unless the engine is build loose and you have oil pan capacity HV is a waste and loads the dist gear.

My experience with big block high volume pumps is that they really flood the top end with oil. I never use one without using positive type style valve stem seals or it will pull a lot of oil through the valve guides.
The need for a high volume pump obviously depends on how the engine is going to be revved.

FWIW, Std check for oil pump volume is, does the engine hold 15-20 psi hot pressure at 900 rpm (idle)? And 60-70 psi hot at 4000-up? If yes, a bigger pump is a waste of time & money. It can also foam the oil, and stress the drive system... which is none too strong.