Well, I am currently using a WIX 51060 filter, from what I have heard they have a bypass spring in them as well that may effect oil pressure with thicker oils so I may try a different filter, say a K&N or something similar.

I did notice that I as soon as I get off idle it build to 35psi. Just seem weird that it is only low at idle, but has good pressure everywhere else even with thinner oil. At first I thought I was in the clear because it held about 30psi after a few good runs, but then it just came back down.

Up top I am using Lunati street performance retro roller lifters, with Comp-Cams high-tech 3/8" push rods, and Comp-Cams steel roller tip rocker arms. Nothing super fancy, but it works.

The pick-up bolted onto the pump, and if you are talking about the bypass in the block above the filter... I don't have one.

I am thinking about installing an oil cooler on it now as that seems to be the most likely culprit at this point. It does not help that this motor is shoe horned into a Jeep Scrambler. Everything is super tight and the driver side exhaust wraps around the front of the sump tucked up pretty tight to the pan. There is maybe 1.25" of airspace between the pipe and pan. The motor never runs above 200, but I have a feeling that the under-hood temps are up there pretty close to engine temps.

Ah the joys of having toys! Thanks for all the help and suggestions, I will continue to try to figure this out. If I am gonna drop the pan it will have to wait because everyone is out of stock on the pan gasket for the pan I have.

Any suggestions for a GOOD high volume oil pump so I can have one on hand? I was looking at Moroso since they already have the anti-cavitation grooves cut in em, but I am not sure. If I drop the pan it will be with the motor in the Jeep so I will have to Plasti-gage the bearings, but I guess that is better than nothing.