Can I use the stock oil pickup from the SN95 engine Ive got? If not, what should I be looking for?

I also replaced the oil pump with a high flow one, but Ive heard some people say it can suck the pan dry. Any input on that?

 

A stock Ford oil pan does not have the capacity to support a high volume oil pump. And if they are better than a "standard" oil pump, why didn't Ford install them from the factory on engines that they would have to warranty for 100,000 miles?

 

The only time you should consider using a high volume pump is if you have external oiling components, like coolers and remote filters. And then - as said above - you need to use a high volume pan and matching pick up.

 

Ok, thanks guys. Guess Ill get a standard oil pump.

What about the pickup though?

 

I used sn95 pick up on my car, but I didn't modify my pan at all.

 

I do plan on using an oil cooler in the future. Would adding that with the modified stock pan from Martin need the high flow pump?
And would I be safe running the car for a while beforeI install the cooler?

 

You need a larger oil pan to run the high flow pump. Unless you are planning on some type of custom subframe and a custom oil pan, there is not much room under one of these cars to accommodate all of that stuff (says the guy with the big supercharger under the hood. LOL).

 

This is the correct answer. You must have a high volume pan to use a high volume pump.

As for a cooler, usually not needed. Oil is heated primarily by rpm's. Meaning, extended high rpm use, like road racing. In any other use, the oil just doesn't get hot enough to need a cooler. Even with a thermostat, the oil often does not get warm enough to function properly.

Unless you plan on road racing - a lot - skip the cooler.

 

Ok thanks. Ill ditch the high flow for a standard pump.

Out of curiosity, what options are there for larger oil pans on the Ford V8 Miatas?

 

None, unless you develop one, but there is no room to put it. The "kit" pan hangs pretty low as it is.