The Dodge Challenger Message Board

i am rebuild my 440 just a little bit over stock i am wondering being a new engine should i put a hight flow oil pump on then i know i will need to replace the 3/8 stock oil tube with a 1/2 oil tube how much trouble is it to covert the 3/8 tube to a 1/2 tube are will it just be safe to run a stock oil pump and stock 3/8 pickup tube i am keeping the stock oil pan.

If this is a mild build you don't really need more than the stock oiling system.

But if you are getting machine work done to the block anyway it would not hurt to get a half inch pick-up fitted.

There are arguments over which is best. High volume oil pump or high pressure oil pump.

I fall on the high volume side of the argument and the 440/hemi type pressure spring. Of one of those neat adjustable pressure regulators from 440 Source.

i called a well know racing store about ordering a High volume oil pump and a 1/2 inch pickup tube they told me that it would suck my oil pan dry have you ever heard of this before.

Randy this is probably the most worthwhile modification made to any MoPar B/RB Wedge block. A minute with a die grinder and carbide bit followed with a tootsie roll to sand it smooth will pay off in reduced restriction. The intersection has a 90 degree bend in there. Radiusing it to a smooth rounded area helps ease this restriction. I think the pan running dry would apply to a drag racer uncovering the pickup tube, but the 440 has excellent oil drainback. Dave&Drew used their 440's to drag race and I dont think they had any problems and they have 3/8 pickups I think.

another pic

Make sure this area has enough material around it to enlarge to the N.P.T. 11/16" for the 1/2",(I.D.), pick-up tube. They have been known to crack, then you are up a creek....The 1/2 Hemi sized PU has been done to this block as seen. If you are doing this yourself, take your time, small cuts then back it off and use lots of cutting oil to flush the shavings away.

airfuelEddie wrote:Randy this is probably the most worthwhile modification made to any MoPar B/RB Wedge block. A minute with a die grinder and carbide bit followed with a tootsie roll to sand it smooth will pay off in reduced restriction. The intersection has a 90 degree bend in there. Radiusing it to a smooth rounded area helps ease this restriction. I think the pan running dry would apply to a drag racer uncovering the pickup tube, but the 440 has excellent oil drainback. Dave&Drew used their 440's to drag race and I dont think they had any problems and they have 3/8 pickups I think.

Uncovering the pickup tube referring to....taking off the shower head?

I just edited my last post so that it is now in English. I must have been tired last night.

In drag racing or hard cornering the oil in the pan can be thrown to the rear or one side of the pan and "uncover" the oil pick up tube. This will make the pump suck air instead of oil and can cause bearing wear or engine damage.

Baffles are used in cars like these to hold the oil in the bottom of the pan.

If you want a good oiling system shoot for the 1/2 inch pickup and use a 440 HP or 425 hemi pan which is baffled. Then fit a good windage tray to keep the oil off the crank but with enough draining holes to allow oil to return to the pan.

Eddie I have a 1/2" pickup in my 440 as I think any engine making over 500hp should have one. I would call it optional below that level. But the pick up in a Ford Escort 1.3 is bigger than the stock 440 one.

randy wrote:i called a well know racing store about ordering a High volume oil pump and a 1/2 inch pickup tube they told me that it would suck my oil pan dry have you ever heard of this before.

No. Never heard of that happening.

You have the 1/2" sized? Cool Dave,,I should have figured you had the 1/2" Kits as Dave described are available at Mancini Racing featuring the pan, pickup, tray, gaskets, pump basically everything in an 1970-71 E-Body 426 Hemi. Combine it with full grooved quality bearings and it should be fine for any high RPM blasts you can dish out. I have that exact same set-up in my 440 and with .0025 oil clearance on both mains and rods and use 20W-50W oil,,I have rock steady oil pressures at high operating temps.

And I use 3/4 groove bearings Eddie.

dave-r wrote:And I use 3/4 groove bearings Eddie.

Figures, you sneaky man you! (Dave wants the load bearing capacity AND full time rod oiling)