(Image/Hot Rod)
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. We work with the Summit Racing tech department to help you tackle your auto-related conundrums. In this week’s Mailbag, we’re discussing high-volume vs. standard-volume oil pump use on a mildly modified Ford 302 engine.
Q: I am rebuilding a 302 Ford small block engine. I’m going to warm it up a bit—small cam, four-barrel carb, and headers. Would it be alright to install a high-volume oil pump?
A: A stock or mildly modified engine—generally—won’t benefit from the use of a high-volume oil pump. The oil returns in the block are too small and the oil gets trapped in the valve covers. We’d recommend sticking with a standard-volume oil pump in your engine.
This is exactly what the Summit told me when I built my sbc with mild upgrades. Haven’t started it yet but his explanation made a lot of sense so I followed his advice. Thanks Summit.
Have a 438″ Windsor (Ford Racing 4-bolt block.) good heads, .640 lift roller…9 quart pan with baffles and a scraper. Shouldn’t go over 7000 rpm’s. Can I use a high volume pump? Asking for a friend.
Get a Melling std. volume pump with the next size heaver bypass spring (yellow for a sbc), gives about 10 psi additional pressure.