Oil Pressure Relief Seat

[Shawn T]

I don't like the hard, hot pull and then oil pressure warning light at idle. The new piston kit should increase idle pressure by 25%, that only brings it up 2 to 4 psi (12-16 psi total). In addition if you groove the rods (per VW) for additional splash cooling of the piston bottoms I believe you need to make up the pressure and flow loss that occurs there.

Obviously high end pressure needs to be kept in check in order to limit leaks and blown filters/seals when cold. Additionally, excess pressure costs horsepower. I guess the question is: what is excess pressure and what combination of clearances, pump size, and non stock modifications is optimal. My belief is probably around 50-60 psi hot, maximum pressure.

Since I have an early case I'm going to stay stock with the small relief piston (which if I understand correctly bleeds pressure off after the lifters are fed ) and use the longer large diameter one which controls primary pressure. Is my evaluation of the system and sequence correct? The other thing I'm doing is checking to insure that the springs I use meet the original spec. Additionally my oil clearances are close to the maximum in the specified ranges.

It is obvious by inspection of my case that the piston seat is well worn and cleaning it up should have a significant effect on pressure.

Thanks for any input,

Shawn T