I'm putting a new oil pump in my 350 but am not sure which is the best way to go. I have a KB hi press/hi vol pump and I also have a booster plate from TA. I'm in the process of hunting down a new timing cover in good condition(dont want to spend the $300 it would cost me to get a new one shipped up across the boarder). Will the KB pump improve the life and performance of my 350? I've heard hi press pumps in these engines can do more harm than good. Should I just go with the booster plate? What is a good psi range for a 350 at idle hot and a cruising speed? Thanks
Your best combination will be a good timing cover, a stock gear set, booster plate, and adjustable regulator. You will want the end clearance set btw .002" and .003". You will also want a minimum of 10 psi at idle and an average of 10 to 15 psi for every 1000 rpm, these numbers are measured when the engine is at normal operating temperature. When putting the pump together first assemble it dry (torque all bolts to spec) and confirm if you have the proper end clearance. If yes take it back apart, pack it with petroleum jelly and re-assemble. If the end clearance is not correct, TA offers a shim kit with 10 different thickneses. Just prior to firing the engine prime the oil pump with a drill and primer tool. Pressure usually reads around 50-60 lbs but will vary of course. Start the engine and note the oil pressure at idle, it should be high, probably 50-60. Allow the engine to come up to normal temperature, now the idle pressure should be 10+. Then increase the RPM to 2000 then 3000 while monitoring the gage, pressure should increase accordingly and average 10 - 15 psi per 1000 rpm. So at 3000 RPM you will want to be pushing around 40 psi. If it is low turn in the adjuster screw on the regulator and re-check. Now take the car for a drive and monitor the oil pressure through out the entire rpm range and do a test upto your max rpm. For instance at 5500 RPM you will want to be 60+ psi. If your numbers are low then pull over and turn in the adjuster screw on the regulator and re-check until you get those correct numbers. Dave
regal350 Clean the surface w/brake cleaner. Then use a straight edge using a feeler gauge to measure your clearances. Like Dave said .002-.003 is good. My gauge only went as low as .005 so you may need to upgrade your gauge. I should have bought a new one a long time ago Let me know if you have any troubles:TU: Marc
Am I supposed to lay the straight edge over the gasket, or straight on the face of the gear housing? I cant find the gaskets that came with my booster plate. Is there one gasket between the plate and the timing cover, and one between the plate and the pump cover? Are they special gaskets or can I use regular stock type?
