Help me pick the right oil pump

[Paulster2]

I'm still wondering what's wrong with a stock pump? Are you building in the clearances (race) to take advantage of something different than stock? The stock SBC pump has been around for 60 years or so and has done a pretty bang up job over its illustrious career. You may want to upgrade the drive and spring. Other than that, you should be golden.

[gregrob]

I should say I wouldn't run one of the cheap mellings. The GMPP has a good track record regardless of who manufactures it, the cheap mellings not so much.

Don't know about the select if they're any better or not but I've seen the cheap ones wear way too quick.

[harner]

Paulster2-
I'm replacing the pump because the motor is out of the car, and the oil pan gasket and rear main seal is getting replaced anyway. The oil pump needed to come out anyway to remedy the driveshaft with the plastic sleeve anyway, so this is why I am looking to upgrade. They're inexpensive, and I feel a little better oil pressure would be a good thing since I'm also doing a custom grind, heads, stall, and nitrous all at the same time.

Gregrob-
I value your opinions, but I really haven't heard of many complaints about Melling. Some well known builders in my area use them frequently for SBC stuff.

I guess I'll try out the 10554 with the 155S pickup tube. I'll put the 155HV on the shelf if I ever get the big cube project underway. Thanks guys.

[gregrob]

It's not my opinion it's a bunch of people who build small blocks. Its all over the net. Not a lot of catastrophic failures, just excessive wear in a short time.

[BIG CAT]

you don't need a high volume pump. get a std volume with a medium psi spring. i have had good luck with speed pro pumps. but every one has there own favorites.

[Puck]

It's not my opinion it's a bunch of people who build small blocks. Its all over the net. Not a lot of catastrophic failures, just excessive wear in a short time.

Only for the 3 digit cheap castings had the issues, which the box even says is not to be used in a performance engine. The select pumps, with the 5 digit part numbers, are the more robust castings that are used by TONS of racers without any issues.

I ordered a 10554 for my new build. It comes with the shaft but not a pickup (I am using a canton pan/pickup), and the equivalent of the GM white spring installed (I think its pink?).

[RamAir95TA]

Only for the 3 digit cheap castings had the issues, which the box even says is not to be used in a performance engine. The select pumps, with the 5 digit part numbers, are the more robust castings that are used by TONS of racers without any issues.

I ordered a 10554 for my new build. It comes with the shaft but not a pickup (I am using a canton pan/pickup), and the equivalent of the GM white spring installed (I think its pink?).

Yep - the spring that comes in the 10552/4 is the Melling pink, identical to the GM white (supposedly 70#).

[Paulster2]

Paulster2-
I'm replacing the pump because the motor is out of the car, and the oil pan gasket and rear main seal is getting replaced anyway. The oil pump needed to come out anyway to remedy the driveshaft with the plastic sleeve anyway, so this is why I am looking to upgrade. They're inexpensive, and I feel a little better oil pressure would be a good thing since I'm also doing a custom grind, heads, stall, and nitrous all at the same time....

Oh, I didn't say you shouldn't replace the oil pump (though you can VERY EASILY recondition an old one) ... you should do what you feel you need to do. Like said though, just be careful you don't suck your pan dry. It WILL cause catastrophic failure.

[speedracer2536]

Is there a kit out there to recondition an oil pump in an lt1? i wouldnt mind doing mine.. The motor is out and the pump only has 20k miles on it.. Prob wouldnt hurt..