Oil pressure vs. volume

[deadbugdug]

From what I can see, performance oil pumps are built either for high pressure or high volume ( I always assumed high pressure would give you high volume. I bet that's not necessarily the case...)

I'd like to know what the difference is, and what the pros/cons are to both a high pressure oil pump and a high volume oil pump.

Thanks a bunch...

[Bob Parmenter]

Here's some reading;
http://www.clubhotrod.com/forums/sho...lesson+learned

[76GMC1500]

Oil pumps use a spring and valve that bleeds off pressure as it approaches a certain maximum. If you put a stiffer spring in, you get a high pressure pump. A high volume pump uses longer gears to move more volume per revolution. A high volume can help you maintain pressure in engines with loose bearing clearances or very thin oils. Oil flows through an engine with loose clearances more quickly, with less back pressure on the oil. If your oil pressure isn't up to the pump's relief point, 30psi is stock for a 70's smog Chevy. Some of the higher performance engines like the 302 ran around 60 psi. Anyways, if your oil pressure is below the relief point, a high pressure pump will have no effect. A high volume pump will.

[madgrinder]

?

[viking]

volume over pressure any day, and torque over hp

[drg84]

For those of us with more simple minds, it can be put into easier terms. Volume-moves more per RPM at a lower pressure. Pressure, moves less than the highvolume pump but at a higher squeeze. Of the two, older engines would probably need high volume, not pressure. hope this helps.