Oil Pressure at speed drops

Clois Harlan · #1 (**permalink**) 06-03-2002, 06:01 AM

I was racing this weekend at Omaha's new road course (excellent course) at a Ford/Cobra event when I was watching my oil pressure gauge (amoung everything else), after about 5 laps my oil pressure was falling from about 45 psi DOWN to about 20 psi. I am running Castrol 20W50. The outside temp was about 86 degrees and the track temp was close to 100 degrees. I am running a High Volume oil pump from Melling with a functional oil cooler. Is this normal or should I take some other action to maintain higher oil pressure?

Thanks,

Clois Harlan

PS-I have another road event here in Tulsa in less than TWO WEEKS (sure don't want to break in front of the home crowd).

Frank Coppola · #2 (**permalink**) 06-03-2002, 06:05 AM

What oil pan are you using? Where on the track were you losing pressure?

Clois Harlan · #3 (**permalink**) 06-03-2002, 06:29 AM

I am using the Tony Branda 61/2 Quart Alum oil pan. I believe I was just coming out of a turn when I noticed. I also checked again as I was running my cool down lap and when I exited. My oil pressure seems to like to stay around 38 or 40 when I am warmed up.

Frank Coppola · #4 (**permalink**) 06-03-2002, 06:46 AM

From my limited knowledge it sounds like the oil pan. Centrifugal force cause oil to temporarily move away from the pump. You could either replace you pan with a Canton "race" pan or add a oil accumulator. (Check out "Accusump" or Moroso)

I haven't heard too many great things about the performance of the low profile "cobra" pans. My engine builder promptly removed mine and replaced it with a Canton "T" sump 7 quart pan. It rides ALOT lower than the original, but I haven't hit anything with it, yet.

Clois Harlan · #5 (**permalink**) 06-03-2002, 07:13 AM

Thanks Frank,

My oil pan is currently setting only 4 1/2" off the ground. I also checked into the Canton Pan but was affraid of the height. I also called a guy in California who builds custom racing pans named Armando, I believe he charges about the same as Canton and they are about the same depth as minie. Still trying to decide what to do.

Something else I noticed about my cast aluminum pan was that it appears to be sweating oil through its pours. Have you ever heard of this?