I am in the process of rebuilding my 73 240Z motor. Should I install a new oil pump at the same time? The one that was in it seemed to be working fine but since I am doing everything over and it’s such an important part I was thinking of replacing it now. The motor is being rebuilt as close as possible to stock. Should I go with an OEM pump or is there something better out there? The car will be used for cruising only.

Thanks,

Greg

The OEM pump will move lots of oil. If it were me I'd clean it up and put it back on. If you find you don't have good oil pressure then swap it for another. The pump is easy to change with the motor in the car. If you are worried about oiling I would remove the distributor/oil pump drive shaft and turn the pump with a power drill. You should get lots of oil through each of the holes in the spray bar in the head. When I did this with mine I was surprised to see that oil was leaking out around the spray bar fittings thus reducing the oil that made it to the cam. I made a tool to turn the pump by cutting the handle off of a long flat blade screw driver. I picked one up at sears for a few bucks. Works great.

Using a screwdriver to turn the oil pump before the first start up would run oil through my motor right? And that would be good right? Does it turn clockwise coming in from the distributor hole? If someone decided to put the turbo oil pump on would they need to get a turbo oil pan that would be deeper? Then probably have to get a longer pick up tube to reach all of the pan? Sorry to be such a pest but can't decide on what oil pump. Thanks for any advice.

The oil pan and pickup do not have to be changed to swap to a turbo pump. I don't remember if the pump spins cw or ccw but it will only pump in one direction. Running the pump with a power drill will allow you to see if the pump is working and if oil is moving as is should in the head.

I used a turbo oil pump in my 73. Original was ok but I figured this would be good insurance for the expense of the build. Ordered from msa.

Thanks Guys. I'm definitely going with a turbo pump.

Also, make sure your oil pressure sending unit is good. These were notorious for incorrect info at the dash. Check it out; so you don't think your new pump is broken.