You have several options when selecting an oil pump, but picking the right one depends on how your engine is built and used.
The basic rule is a minimum of 10 psi of oil pressure per 1,000 rpm at normal operating temperature.
For example, if you’re cruising on the highway at 2,500 rpm, you should have 25 psi. At idle, the same engine might have 10 psi or less.
Standard Oil Pumps
A standard oil pump meets or exceeds OEM specifications. Standard pumps provide enough flow and pressure for most stock to moderate performance engines.
High Volume Oil Pumps
A high-volume pump pushes more oil through the system. It has larger gears to move more oil per revolution. These pumps are suitable for performance engines with larger bearing clearances. The additional oil helps maintain oil pressure and carry away heat.
A high-volume pump may also be required to feed components like external oil coolers, remote oil filters, camshaft phasers, superchargers, turbochargers, etc.
High Pressure Oil Pumps
High-pressure pumps have a stiffer spring in the bypass valve, allowing more pressure to build before bypassing oil back to the pan. These pumps are required for high-rpm performance engines.
In some pumps, you can change the pressure relief spring to adjust the pressure to meet your engine’s specific requirements.
High Pressure, High Volume Oil Pumps
A high-pressure, high-volume pump has both larger gears and a stiffer bypass spring. These pumps are only required for high-performance race engines.
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