Oil Pump Pickup
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 81
From: Southeastern MASS
Oil Pump Pickup
Hi, guys-I'm looking for some help with an oil pump pickup. It's for the 350 in my 76, I'm getting a fresh short block ready to go into the car. The car did not come with a motor when I bought it so I have no original pickup to compare. I'm using what I assume (I know, I know!) is the original oil pan that did come with the car, I've used a stock replacement Melling pump M-55. The pickup that I bought a while ago (sorry I don't have a part number for that) heads towards the front of the car right out of the pump and hits the pan. Looks like the pickup I need should curl down and sit right under the pump to be located in the sump of the pan. Can anyone point me to the correct Melling (or other name brand) part number?
Thanks
Peter
Thanks
Peter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Measure
OP Peter:
I have current melling cats w/ pns, pics & specs.
1. measure ID of the pickup hole in your pump ... should be either 5/8" or 3/4" ... post back
2. measure pan depth at sump ... lay a straight edge across pan rails above center of sump ...
.... measure from bottom of straight edge to sump floor ... post back
...
I have current melling cats w/ pns, pics & specs.
1. measure ID of the pickup hole in your pump ... should be either 5/8" or 3/4" ... post back
2. measure pan depth at sump ... lay a straight edge across pan rails above center of sump ...
.... measure from bottom of straight edge to sump floor ... post back
...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Good advice 'bout all pans don't fit C3 ... so true
7 3/8" pan w/ M55 probably 55-S1 or 55-S2 ... I thought my Mcats have their depth specs but can't find them now (do have race pickups depth specs) ...
... Friday's plan is get guidance from Melling.Tech.
7 3/8" pan w/ M55 probably 55-S1 or 55-S2 ... I thought my Mcats have their depth specs but can't find them now (do have race pickups depth specs) ...
... Friday's plan is get guidance from Melling.Tech.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 332
From: Woodinville WA
I usually just listen to Jackson on this stuff; but my kid's had homemade playdo in a zip lock baggie so I just set that on top of my oil pickup and pressed the pan on over the Felpro 1 piece gasket then cut the playdo to check clearance.
I didn't think it could be any easier doing it that way.
Adam
I didn't think it could be any easier doing it that way.
Adam
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
I usually just listen to Jackson on this stuff; but my kid's had homemade playdo in a zip lock baggie so I just set that on top of my oil pickup and pressed the pan on over the Felpro 1 piece gasket then cut the playdo to check clearance.
I didn't think it could be any easier doing it that way.
Adam
I didn't think it could be any easier doing it that way.
Adam
... once OP has chosen a pickup that's a close match to his pump-pan combo. OP's is press-in ... not bolt-on.
OTOH, did yours make it to a dyno yet ?
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,027
Likes: 4,174
From: US-PNW
Something I learned recently on the NCRS forum is that all Corvette oil pans (at least for C2 & C3) have the drain screw in the rear of the pan. So if yours doesn't, it's not a Corvette pan and may have steering clearance and oil pump pickup problems.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1,485
From: Little Rock AR
I press the pickup in and make sure it is too far down then dry install the pan. The pickup rotates in the pump outlet to the zero clearance to the bottom of the pan position. Then remove pan and measure. Move the pickup position 3/8" higher and use the foil crunch as a double check of the final dimension. Remove the pressure regulating spring before brazing the pickup in place. Mig weld a tack in 2 places if you do not have a smoke wrench. Works for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Melling 220S pickup screen
Melling Tech said use 220S pickup ... said it's for M55 pump w/ pan depth 7 1/4" - 7 3/8"
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...4740&jsn=10356
How Melling's George Richmond does it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 81
From: Southeastern MASS
I just wanted to follow up on this. Jackson, you're a rock star, the pickup you recommended fit perfectly! Also, I know some guys were convinced that I was using a non-C3 pan. I trial fit the motor with the pan attached in the car today and it clears everything. I've converted to the Borgeson steering box so all of the hydraulic junk is gone in that area, I don't know if that made a difference but I have plenty of clearance between the pan and the drag link. So, Jackson, thanks again and thanks to everyone that was offering help. Ya gotta love CF!
Peter
Peter