Oil Pumps

Does your oil pressure drop when the engine is working hard on track, or does the pump need to keep up with a higher-performance build? In this category you will find complete oil pumps, drive gears and pump gears, external dry sump pumps and pump housing gaskets.

What the oil pump does in the engine

The oil pump draws oil from the oil pan through the oil pickup and sends it under pressure to the bearings, camshafts and, where fitted, the turbo. At high revs, under sustained load on a trackday or with higher boost, the demand for stable oil pressure increases, and a worn drive gear can become a weak point. You will find both complete pumps, e.g. for Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan engines, and individual parts such as the Boundary High Flow Billet Oil Pump Gear for Toyota 2ZZGE.

How to choose an oil pump

• Engine code and version: Fitment depends on the exact engine. For example, an SR20DE/DET pump in this category is listed for US engines and does not fit JDM versions.
• Pressure and flow: Higher pressure is not automatically better. The right level depends on bearing clearances, oil viscosity, rev range and intended use.
• External pumps: With dry sump pumps, the direction of rotation, number of stages and drive must match the rest of your dry sump system. The Moroso pumps here, for example, are listed with tri-lobe rotors and reverse rotation.
• Gaskets: Cometic Gasket offers a gasket between the pump housing and the crankcase for Harley-Davidson.

Installation and maintenance

Check tolerances and gear backlash according to the manufacturer's instructions, and fill the pump with oil before the first start so it does not run dry. Change the oil and oil filter after engine work, as debris from wear can damage a new pump. If the oil pressure is unstable, the cause may also lie in the pickup, bearings or pressure relief valve rather than in the pump itself.

Frequently asked questions

When is an external oil pump relevant?

Typically in dry sump systems, where the oil is stored in a separate tank and the pump is mounted outside the engine. This can provide a more stable oil supply during hard cornering and braking, but requires a tank, lines and drive that match each other.

Can I just replace the drive gear?

That depends on the condition of the pump. If the pump housing and rotors show no wear, a new drive gear, e.g. for Toyota 2JZGTE, may be enough. If there is scoring, play or low pressure, a complete pump is typically the safer solution.

Why is the oil pressure low with a new oil pump?

The cause may be air in the system, a leaking or blocked pickup, worn bearings, a sticking pressure relief valve or a pump for a different engine version. Also check the pressure gauge before you take the engine apart again.