In an earlier thread (I probably should just expand on that one, but oh well), someone mentioned adding an adjustable oil pressure regulator, and said don't go with the high volume pump! Where do I get the adjustable oil pump regulator, and is it expensive? Why not go w/the high volume oil pump?? And how do I check the cover to make sure it is ok?? Thanks again! :beer
TA Performance has the adjustable regulators and recommends the use of a good timing cover, stock gear set, booster plate and adjustable regulator for the best oiling package. Random scoring on the sidewalls of where the pump goes (in the timing cover) is normal and ok. Excessive wear patterns will cause oil pressure loss. The pump cover face (the piece your filter is screwed on to) will usually get scored up. If the rest of that piece is in good condition, knock down any high spots on the face with a sanding block and 100 grit or so sandpaper. Then the booster plate will get inserted between the pump cover and timing cover which will now be the new wear surface, it is made from steel and will not get scored like the original aluminum piece. Hi Volume oil pumps have longer gears and cause extra loading on the front of the cam, additional stress in the support area where the shaft goes through the timing cover which can cause the pump to wear a pattern in the pump area of the timing cover. A properly setup pump with the above parts and the recommended .002 - .003" end clearance should satisfy 95% of the applications. Dave
Okay, just so I don't mess up, let me make sure I've got this: In order to install the regulator, all I need is the booster plate and regulator. I can keep any original original shims springs and gears that are in it now, correct? There is no machining involved, right? I am assuming that instructions will come w/the regulator and plate. Thanks! :TU:
All you need is the regulator. Unless of course you know your oil pressure is low. Do you have an accurate gauge? If not that is the first thing you need. If you don't need to pull the pump apart, don't. In the oil pump cover assembly is the pressure relief valve and spring. These are held in the cover by a valve cap(large bolt). The spring tension determines how much pressure the pump will deliver. The regulator replaces the valve cap. It has an allen screw that you can turn and vary the spring tension and thus the maximum pressure the pump will deliver. This is all assuming your pump is in good condition with the proper clearances and can deliver adequate volume. If the pump is no good, varying the spring preload will not give you more pressure. To have good pressure you need adequate volume, they go hand in hand. Lots of people think alot of oil pressure is good and more is better. Oil pressure in excess of what the engine needs wastes power and heats the oil as well as creating a potential wear problem for cam bearings, cam gears, distributor gears, and timing chains. This is why HV-HP pumps are not recommended. For a 350 10psi/1000 RPM is adequate. For the 455, you want 11-12/1000 RPM. If you have low idle pressure, the pump clearances are probably excessive. In that case try the booster plate and TA's oil pump shim kit to set the pump up. Hope that helps.
