I originally posted inside of another thread, but no replies to it yet, so I thought I would repost as a new topic... hmmm...maybe opening a can of worms...But how about blocking the bypass like a lot of the turbo V6ers do...any problems with that??? I know first hand you can't do it with the 455!!! ou: (can you say collapsed filter :eek2: ) Any info would be appreciated...Thanks...
Boy!!! Talk about a can of worms! I'v never done it, never built a 350 that made enough power to require anything more than a plate, or the HP pump kit... Cant imagine a 350 would really need that much oil pressure with the parts available now [cast rods] It would be worth looking into once we get aluminum heads, or the supercharger... Could be done if you used something like an Oberg external oil filter plumbed with hard lines,,, Maybe mount it to the block or cross-member. That could be done with a BBB as well.
Well, the bypass I'm talking about is the one in the pump cover where the oil filter mounts to...By pulling the spring loaded plunger out and plugging the hole with a Dorman plug, you force all the oil to go through the filter, thus having filtered oil at all times...Not really looking to do it to raise the oil pressure or anything... Lonnie Diers has done this on the turbo V6s and probably would be able to maybe explain a little better... here's a pic of what I mean, I scanned this out the Buick Power Source manual for the V6s... edit...Don't ask how i know, but don't do this on the big blocks...It'll collapse the filters everytime ou: The 350 basically uses the same timing cover/oil pump as the turbo V6s...That's why I'm asking...But be warned, once you pop the bypass spring out, it won't go back in because you almost have to destroy it to get it out...
Plug bypass Would not do this with any engine. The bypass was designed to relief the pressure in the filter when the oil is cold and tougher to push through the filter media. If you are looking for more volume, I would go with the Precision Turbo and Engine front cover with the deeper oil pump. Recommend the lightest relief valve spring with this pump that comes in the kit. While this cover was designed as a V-6 upgrade it will certainly fit the 350 V8
As I've mentioned, I'm not looking for more volume or pressure, just filtered oil at all times... That bypass spring pops open at a very low pressure, so most of the time unfiltered oil is going through the motor...That is the reason for blocking it...Next time you change your oil, take a look at the plunger there and see if it is still blocking the hole correctly, a lot of the time it gets crooked and unfiltered oil is going right into your motor... Just looking for opinions on this subject, not trying to start a flame war or anything... :beer :grin: Thanks and keep the replies coming...
For what it's worth, most the sb Chevy guys I know that race circle track, tap and plug the bypass. They just change the filter more frequently. Some use the Oberg or some other reuseable filter. If it's just for the street, I think I would just change the filter more frequently and use synthetic oil. That's what I'm doing in my SC3800 Riv. Scott
I've never blocked the bypass, but everyone of the last 4 or 5 350's I've taken apart has had a piece of silicone sealant holding the bypass open. Just something to think about.
