I've read that the stock drive cracks when using a high volume oil pump and was wondering if there is anything else that can be used. I'm using a holley single plane with a rear distributor hole if that matters.

 

If you're using a single plane manifold, check MSD Part No. 8513. <http://www.msdignition.com/product.aspx?id=5623&terms=front%20distributor>

 

Would I need to cut it down and weld on the little tab so I can bolt it to the block? I was looking at those styles, don't remember it it was a mallory or msd or what. I also saw that someone on this forum was building billet ones that required the shaft and gear from a stock one, I think it was harrow or something. I don't know if that's still and option but it was kind of pricey($150).

 

Just saw the price on the MSD, it must have been a mallory I was looking at.

 

You needn't worry about the tab. Use a traditional small block distributor hold-down that bolts to the top of the manifold. I remember the discussion about a billet LT1 oil pump drive but I don't know if that ever developed into reality. If you used an LT1 drive, you'd still need to do something about the hole in the manifold.

Be advised that the high volume oil pump is likely to end up causing problems. If you lean on the motor for very long, you'll run the risk of draining the oil level in pan after a few seconds. Of course, you could increase the volume of the oil pan and/or run an Accusump system. Also, the additional drag on the pump drive caused by the HV pump increases the odds that you'll experience problems with the gear on the pump drive as well.

 

I was looking at the mallory 29003, looks to be the same product at about $80 cheaper. I have a canton road racing oil pan with baffles. Should I switch to a standard volume oil pump? I've got a M55HV high volume, high pressure oil pump with a canton pickup.

 

The Mallory #29003 appears to be similar to the MSD #8513 however, when I attempted to access Mallory product information this morning, I had difficulty accessing any of Mallory's web addresses. There was no shortage of vendors willing to sell Mallory products but, at this moment in time, links to the company itself have not worked for me. I'm always edgy about something that costs 1/2 as much but that doesn't seem to have a manufacturer? I note that MSD mentions shaft diameter and makes reference to a sealed ball bearing and extra long bushing. I doubt that you would need to be concerned about an adjustable slip collar but the MSD information touts that feature as well.

Only the user can evaluate the oiling needs of a particular application. I would suggest that you do some searches on this site and other sites related to small block oiling systems and the need for increased volume and pressure in applications such as your own. If you have increased the volume of the oil pan and taken steps to enhance the drain-back capacity of the motor or if you're contemplating the use of bolt-ons such as a blower that may or may not require pressurized oiling, your needs exceed my experience in this regard.

In my world, mainly drag racing, a stock volume pump has been completely adequate to keep my 9 second LT1 Super Stock Firebird lubricated well past 8000 RPM. On my latest bracket motor I have switched up to a Melling #MEL10553 with standard volume and pressure, mainly due to reports that the M55 casting is not as robust as it once was and a cracked or broken pump housing would be a particularly frustrating way to lose an engine.

Good luck,

c