Reply to "pre oiling the 351c"

...one word of caution I would like to add about this 'crossover' oil connection! When 'they' use to race these 351 Clevelands back in the 70's; 'most' of the engine builders recomended this bypass (now we're talking 'Racing' where every bit counts!). There can be a Downside to every modification! On this one, Perhaps More oil being pumped to where you need LEAST. Like the lifter galleries and filling up the rocker arm area, which can cause more oil being forced through the valve guides. It may have been for other reasons, But about a Thousand miles after I installed this set-up; I had a con-rod bearing spin and go out! One theory I have, may or may not be the case; is that the port under the oil pressure sender is by design a 'Dead-End' for the flow of oil, that makes it a 'Trap' for DIRT and Debris. It has been trapped there for over 3 decades! So then You come along and hook up a pressure hose and because that hose is sure to pressurise before the 'normal' flow gets to that end/rear of the block, all of that debris gets blown into the already worn bearings throughout the engine! In my case it was the #6 con rod. Now this may not have been the cause but I submit it for your evaluation. In the end; the bypass is better installed on a new clean engine rather than an older one that may have trapped dirt. I believe it helps or I would not have reinstalled it (after a thourough cleaning) on my Brand-New 'Boss' 351. As for anyones' older engine, It's your call, just be advised!...