Small Block Oiling System
221/260/289/302/351W/Boss 302
The
small-block Ford’s oiling system is fairly conventional across the two
engine families, with
the oil pump being driven via the distributor gear and a shaft. A weak spot
for these engines is
the oil pump shaft itself. Even if you are building a stock engine, it is
recommended that you
use a heavy duty, aftermarket shaft as an affordable “insurance policy”
against failure. Stock
shafts have a history of failure, especially in high performance
applications.
pump and a heavy-duty shaft. There are many pumps and manufacturers vary. Melling high-volume pumps
With a healthy oil pump and shaft in place, you are ready to tackle the rest of the oiling
system. The 221/260/289/ 302/Boss 302/351W family of engines were blessed with a healthy
oiling system to begin with. All you have to do is improve flow by radiusing the oil holes in the
crankshaft and block. This improves oil flow and reduces the risk of cracking. You also want to
improve drainback by radiusing the return holes as well. Other oiling system mods hinge
directly on how the engine will be used. Racing mandates an oil sump that will keep a constant
supply of oil available to the oil pump at all times. Drag racing mandates the use of a
deep-sump pan. Road racing calls for a baffled oil pan that keeps the oil contained around the
pump pick-up. In both cases, a windage tray is recommended to keep oil from getting around
the crankshaft.
A 1978-95
FOX-bodied Ford or Mercury calls for a double-sump pan due to the design of
the
front chassis crossmember. The front sump (which really isn’t a sump at all)
clears the oil
pump while the rear sump serves as the pick-up point. Bear this in mind when
you’re building a
small-block Ford.
Another important oiling system revision is the installation of screw-in oil
gallery plugs as a
substitute for the pressed-in factory plugs. This affords added safety and
reliability in the oiling
system. Three retaining screws at the rear camshaft plug add reliability
there.
1-800-704-5385