oil pumps, 59a versus 8ba

3

36tbird

Well-known member
Is the 8ba oil pump with the helical cut gears significantly better than a 59a with straight cut gears? I'm trying to decide if it would improve oil pressure in a 59a to install an 8ba pump rather than the stock pump. Of course, I understand that the actual condition of the pump is a factor but I am looking at a 59 pump that I took apart to inspect and clean versus rebuilding an 8ba core I have. Thoughts?
 
I have used the 8ba, M19 (not the M15) oil pump in both the early 21 stud and later 24 stud, 59 series engines that I have built in the last ten years. Whichever style pump you decide to use should be tested first before installation. You would need to use the correct PU tube & screen with the 8ba pump. Some trimming of the oil pan baffle and adjustment (carefully bending) of the PU tube may be required to position the PU screen correctly at the bottom of oil pan.
 
Thanks, John. Yeah, I've modified some 8ba pickups to work, so I've got that covered. I just now have a cleaned up 59a pump that I wonder if I should get off the shelf to use or go with an 8ba pump for better oil delivery.

I could not figure out how to get an empirical value on how well the pumps work. I put them both in a pan with some oil and turned them with a drill using a brake hone to grab the drive gear teeth. Both pumped oil like crazy.
 
I would think that the helical cut gears would be more forceful, less restrictive and more efficient in enhancing the directional flow of the oil. Sort of like helical or sprial fins on a water pump. Not sure, however.
 
Also keep in mind that the 59a block has the pressure regulating spring at the front of the valley, so when using the 8ba pump in the 59 block, make sure the spring in the valley is equal to or stronger than the one in the pump.
 
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