The argument for removing it is that the original Ford pumps had no built in pressure relief valve (so Ford put them in the SO block to help deal with
oil pressure at high RPMs). Ask yourself, if that valve opens where does the
oil spray? (right to the crankshaft) You might not want that, so many learned engine builders block off the relief valves and then simply calibrate the
oil pump to provide the proper pressure (all newer pumps allow for that). FWIW, Gessford is on record over on
www.fordfe.com as saying "
He leaves it in, because that's the way Ford built them." On my 428, the decision was relatively easy....
