Question on oil pickup. I've noticed going through old parts that some pickup tubes have a support bracket and some don't. Any thoughts on which would be better?
I think the earlier oil pick ups had the brace. I guess GM decided it wasn't needed, as, later models & replacements do not/did not come with them. I always thought it a good idea, but, I also haven't had or heard of issues with out it.
Old pickups were 1/2" and new pickups are 5/8" so they are a lot more rigid from just the tubing size increase is my guess.
The theory is to allow the pickup to move around and expand with being constricted by the brace..that possibly could lead to cracking....which I have seen a few cracked pickups
Any tube that long regardless of its OD and especially ones like that that can shake with the right to left motion of the motor due to its mounting on the oil pan rail should get a brace if you want my 2 cents worth. If it came off more of the center line ( parallel to the crank) like a SBC or some Fords then there's little concern.