To oil pump or not to oil pump?
 

That is the question.
I have read a lot here on the subject and cant seem to find an answer.

I am doing a rebuilt 1.8(M-tuned rods, ARP head studs, MLS gasket) going in a 90 track car that is light. Torsen rear end, and four transmissions in the wings.... I am going for:

Goal 250(first)~300whp on a 2860rs or BW 6258 efr(haven't decided yet).

Do I need a fancy oil pump?
Where is the line where I need to start letting this bug me?

After you mentioned "track car" the question was already answered.


WHY OIL PUMP?

BECAUSE RACE CAR

Man I hear your logic, but what is the general consensus on when to do this mod? Race car is subjective.
I trailer the car to events and it isnt a daily driver.
If it is a 300hp mod I am a few years off, if it is a 250hp deal I have to do it tomorrow.

d

HP is somewhat part of the equation. I'm more interested in what your RPM limit will be.

I'm a pussy foot...stock redline.

Yes rpm limit and how often/long you plan to stay in the upper rpm range. Race car usually stays up there for majority of its lifetime.

Its not like a street cars that will hit redline for a couple gears then be driven slow for a week or two.

North of 8000rpm at any power level. North of 300wtq at 7000rpm. You probably want them.

Is it worth a motor and a race weekend? yes.

Thanks for the responses guys. I think I may skip it for now, and keep the boost and the RPMs down.
Bond, using your logic I could add a lot of other parts to the build as well to try to make it bulletproof, but unfortunately I am doing this on a tight budget. Most likely the motor would come out in the future and get some other choice parts(pistons, main studs, and a oil pump) before I head anywhere north of the 250~275whp range anyways. Baby steps.

I have a stock oil pump in mine and never go above 7k rpm and shift at 6500rpm or so for the 5th-6th gear stuff. Next time I pull the motor I will add a real oil pump and gears.

What are your whp/tq numbers right now?

242whp/235wtq on a Dynojet at a measly 11.5psi. I may start running the car at 13psi to make 250whp on a Mustang Dyno to match Jeffman's car.