I just read the sticky titled "Oil pan capacity test pics" (http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413036&highlight=lash+adjusters&page=6) and had a couple of thoughts.
First, high RPM shouldn't matter. There is a check valve in the oil pump assembly that opens and dumps excess oil into the pan when a certain pressure is reached. I would know, because I had an engine builder install the valve upside down. I blew up a few oil filters before I figured out what was going on. A couple blew up at idle (I fixed it in the car without dropping the k-member. Lots of fun with a Canton pan). The point is that the oil system shouldn't build insane pressure, even over 7000 RPM. Ford isn't trying to destroy motors. I'm sure they verified that an adequate amount of oil was left in the pan under all conditions, including high engine speeds for extended periods. Most manufacturers' recommendations are at least a full quart over what is really necessary to lubricate the motor. They do this to protect against the possibility of some oil burn-off between oil changes, among other things.
Second, oil does move around as you drive a vehicle. That's why I wouldn't want the level any higher than it has to be to feed the pump. Oil moves around in the pan as you apply g-forces (accelerating, braking, turning, going over bumps, etc.). The more oil is in the pan, the better your chances are that it's going to slap the crank. I wouldn't go crazy over-filling your oil. Windage robs power and puts stress on the crankshaft.
First, high RPM shouldn't matter. There is a check valve in the oil pump assembly that opens and dumps excess oil into the pan when a certain pressure is reached. I would know, because I had an engine builder install the valve upside down. I blew up a few oil filters before I figured out what was going on. A couple blew up at idle (I fixed it in the car without dropping the k-member. Lots of fun with a Canton pan). The point is that the oil system shouldn't build insane pressure, even over 7000 RPM. Ford isn't trying to destroy motors. I'm sure they verified that an adequate amount of oil was left in the pan under all conditions, including high engine speeds for extended periods. Most manufacturers' recommendations are at least a full quart over what is really necessary to lubricate the motor. They do this to protect against the possibility of some oil burn-off between oil changes, among other things.
Second, oil does move around as you drive a vehicle. That's why I wouldn't want the level any higher than it has to be to feed the pump. Oil moves around in the pan as you apply g-forces (accelerating, braking, turning, going over bumps, etc.). The more oil is in the pan, the better your chances are that it's going to slap the crank. I wouldn't go crazy over-filling your oil. Windage robs power and puts stress on the crankshaft.
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