i am going to be using the melling HV oil pump with their shaft that has a metal collar along with a stock pan. Some people have problems with the Melling HV pumps and some do not... is it because of a clearance issue between the pick up and the stock oil pan?? Any mods need to be done for the pan to fit a 383? What clearance should i look for when putting everything back together? The guys at the performance shop suggested i braze the pickup to the pump.

Thanks!!

 

No more than 1/2" clearance checked with clay.
A lot of people have the oil climbing the back of the stock oil pan,But that has nothing to do with the HV pump.
If the pickup is not bent in it's housing fit (trying to put it in crooked)and put it in up to its ridge, it won't come out.I have never had one come out,since the '60's and never welded any.DO NOT braze it,you will distort the pump end cap and mess up the oil pressure.If you do weld it with a MIG welder,cool it with air so as not to warp it.
You can buy pumps with the pickup installed.
Why do you think the factory doesn't weld the pickup????

 

Two things you can buy a bolt on pickup tube holder from summit or jegs for around $10 wraps around the tube and goes under one bolt. Or you can buy a melling pump with a bolt on pickup. Welding on pump = BAD IMO