Maintaining consistent oil pressure is the lifeblood of any high-performance or daily-driven engine. A reliable oil pump is a non-negotiable component, ensuring critical engine parts receive proper lubrication under all conditions, from stop-and-go traffic to high-RPM track days. Choosing the right pump is an investment in your engine’s longevity and power.
This roundup focuses on ACL oil pumps, a brand trusted by professional engine builders and enthusiasts worldwide for their precision and durability. We’ve compiled a selection of their top-performing models for popular Honda and Subaru applications, along with essential tools for fluid maintenance. Whether you’re building a race motor or simply performing a crucial engine refresh, these components are designed for consistent, dependable performance.
Our Top Picks for ACL Oil Pumps and Maintenance Tools
- ACL/Orbit Racing Oil Pump for Honda Civic Acura Integra
- ACL/Orbit Racing Oil Pump for Subaru WRX STI EJ Series
- ACL OPHD1194HP High Performance Oil Pump for Honda
- ACL OPHD1040HP High Performance Oil Pump for Honda
- ACL/Orbit Racing Oil Pump for Honda Civic CRX D15 D16
- MOTOPOWER MP69033 Computerized Oil Extractor and Fluid Pump
- Topsider Mityvac 7400 Fluid Evacuator, 7.9 Quart
- EWK 6.5L Pneumatic/Manual Oil Fluid Extractor Vacuum Pump
ACL/Orbit Racing Oil Pump for Honda Civic Acura Integra
This performance oil pump is engineered specifically for the legendary Honda B-series engines, including the B16, B18, and B20. It is designed to meet the demands of both street and track applications, providing a consistent and reliable flow of oil to protect your engine’s vital components. Its direct fitment ensures a straightforward installation process for a hassle-free engine build or rebuild.
As a part of the ACL/Orbit Racing lineup, this pump is built to the high standards that enthusiasts expect. It is a key upgrade for anyone looking to enhance the reliability and performance of their Honda or Acura. Being in stock and ready to ship means you can get your project moving forward without unnecessary delays.
ACL/Orbit Racing Oil Pump for Subaru WRX STI EJ Series
For Subaru enthusiasts with EJ20, EJ22, EJ25, and EJ257 engines, this performance oil pump is a critical component for maintaining engine health. The EJ platform is known for its performance potential, and this pump is designed to support that with a robust oil supply. It helps ensure that your turbocharged engine receives the lubrication it needs under high-stress conditions.
Designated as part number OPSB1478HP, this pump is a direct replacement that fits perfectly within the WRX and STI models. By choosing this ACL pump, you are selecting a component that contributes to the long-term reliability of your Subaru’s engine, helping to prevent oil-related failures that can be common in high-performance applications.
ACL OPHD1194HP High Performance Oil Pump for Honda
The ACL OPHD1194HP stands out due to its construction from high-strength steel. This material provides a significant improvement in tensile strength, which directly translates to better rod bearing strength and retention. This is a vital feature for engines that are regularly pushed to their limits, as it helps maintain structural integrity.
The increased crush design of this pump not only improves bearing retention through higher radial contact pressures but also enhances heat dissipation. Effective heat management is crucial for maintaining consistent oil viscosity and pressure, protecting your engine during extended periods of high load and temperature.
ACL OPHD1040HP High Performance Oil Pump for Honda
This high-performance oil pump is engineered with an innovative three-layer structure that focuses on protection and reliability. This design philosophy ensures that the internal components of your Honda engine are safeguarded against wear and oil starvation, which is essential for both daily driving and more spirited use.
The pump is built to contribute to the overall safety and comfort of your vehicle by providing a consistent and dependable oil supply. It represents a smart upgrade for any Honda owner who values long-term engine health and wants to avoid the pitfalls of a failing oil pump, making it a cornerstone of a reliable engine build.
ACL/Orbit Racing Oil Pump for Honda Civic CRX D15 D16
Specifically designed for the 1988-95 Honda Civic and CRX models with D15 and D16 engines, this performance oil pump is a perfect fit for these popular platforms. The D-series engines are known for their efficiency and reliability, and this pump helps maintain that reputation by ensuring consistent oil flow.
As a direct replacement part, the OPHD1040HP model simplifies the installation process for a engine refresh or performance build. Upgrading to this ACL pump is a proactive measure that can help extend the life of your engine, providing peace of mind for years to come.
MOTOPOWER MP69033 Computerized Oil Extractor and Fluid Pump
While not an engine oil pump, the MOTOPOWER MP69033 is an invaluable tool for vehicle maintenance. This computerized oil extractor allows you to remove old engine oil quickly and cleanly through the dipstick tube, often without the need to crawl underneath the vehicle. Its 6.5-liter capacity is suitable for many oil change intervals.
The computerized operation makes the fluid extraction process simple and mess-free. This tool is excellent for DIY mechanics who want to perform professional-level maintenance at home, making oil changes and other fluid replacements a much more convenient task.
Topsider Mityvac 7400 Fluid Evacuator, 7.9 Quart
The Topsider Mityvac 7400 is a robust and manual fluid evacuator with a generous 7.9-quart capacity. This tool is built for durability and is perfect for extracting not only engine oil but also transmission fluid, coolant, and differential fluid. Its manual pump mechanism provides reliable operation without the need for electricity.
Its large capacity means it can handle nearly a full oil change for most passenger vehicles in a single extraction. For the serious DIYer or professional, the Mityvac 7400 is a versatile and dependable addition to any garage, simplifying a wide range of fluid maintenance jobs.
EWK 6.5L Pneumatic/Manual Oil Fluid Extractor Vacuum Pump
The EWK fluid extractor offers flexible operation with both pneumatic and manual pumping options. With a 6.5-liter tank, it is well-suited for oil changes and other fluid extraction tasks. The ability to connect to an air compressor makes the extraction process very fast and effortless.
This dual-functionality ensures you can always complete the job, even if you don’t have an air compressor available. It’s a practical and efficient tool for anyone who performs regular vehicle maintenance, providing a clean and effective way to manage fluids.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best ACL Oil Pump for Consistent Performance
When I’m building or rebuilding an engine, choosing the right oil pump isn’t a place to cut corners. It’s the heart of your engine’s lubrication system, and a failure here is catastrophic. ACL Performance is a brand I trust, but even within their lineup, you need to know what to look for to ensure consistent performance. It’s not just about picking the first pump you see on the shelf.
First, you need to understand the two main types: standard pressure and high pressure. This is a fundamental choice. A standard-pressure pump is typically what your stock engine was designed to run. It provides solid oil flow for most daily driving and mild performance applications. A high-pressure pump, on the other hand, is for more serious builds. Think high-revving engines, those with increased bearing clearances, or forced induction setups where you need to ensure oil is forced into every critical space under extreme conditions. Using a high-pressure pump where it’s not needed can strain your system and even lead to other issues.
Next, consider the pump’s internal design and materials. ACL offers both OEM-specification replacement pumps and their upgraded “Race Series” pumps. The Race Series pumps often feature improved internal tolerances, stronger gears, and a more robust relief valve system. For a street car, a standard OEM-spec pump is perfectly adequate. But if I’m putting together an engine that will see the racetrack or make significantly more power, the Race Series is the way to go. The materials and construction are designed to handle the added stress and provide that consistent performance over the long haul.
You also can’t ignore the critical step of checking clearances during installation. Even the best oil pump needs to be installed correctly. This means checking the clearance between the pump gears and the pump body, as well as setting the relief valve spring pressure if applicable. I always follow the manufacturer’s specified clearance tolerances. A pump that’s too tight can bind and fail, while one that’s too loose won’t build proper pressure. This hands-on verification is non-negotiable for a reliable build.
Finally, think about the complete system. Your oil pump doesn’t work in a vacuum. It pulls oil through a pickup tube and screen from the sump. Ensuring you have the correct oil pump and pickup tube combination for your specific oil pan is vital. An incorrect pickup tube height or location can lead to oil starvation, rendering even the best ACL oil pump useless. Always pair your pump with the matching, recommended pickup tube and a high-quality oil pan gasket. Taking these factors into account will guide you to the right choice for your 8 best ACL oil pump review for consistent performance, ensuring your engine stays lubricated and healthy for miles to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between an ACL standard and Race Series oil pump?
The main difference comes down to intended use and internal construction. The standard ACL pump is designed as a high-quality replacement for your original equipment pump. It’s perfect for stock rebuilds and daily drivers. The Race Series pump is an upgrade. It’s built with higher-grade materials, often has closer internal tolerances for more consistent pressure, and features a more robust relief valve system. If your engine is modified for more power, sees high RPMs regularly, or has increased bearing clearances, the Race Series is the better investment for long-term reliability.
Do I need to prime a new ACL oil pump before starting the engine?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most critical steps after an engine rebuild or pump replacement. Priming the oil pump means filling it with oil and turning it to circulate oil throughout the entire engine before the engine ever fires up. I use a dedicated priming tool that attaches to a drill to spin the pump. This ensures that all the bearings, camshafts, and other critical components have a protective layer of oil the instant the engine starts. Starting a dry engine, even for a few seconds, can cause significant wear.
Can a high-pressure oil pump cause any problems?
It can if it’s not needed. A high-pressure pump is designed for engines that require it, like those with larger bearing clearances or high-performance applications. If you install one on a standard, tight-clearance stock engine, you might run into a few issues. The most common is overworking the oil filter and potentially causing it to fail or bypass. It also puts more strain on the pump drive and can lead to higher oil temperatures. You should only use a high-pressure pump when your engine build specifically calls for it.
How important is the oil pump pickup tube?
It is incredibly important. The pickup tube is the direct link between your oil pan’s supply and the pump itself. If the pickup tube is the wrong size, is positioned incorrectly, or has a poor seal at its mounting point, it can lead to oil starvation. The pump will suck air instead of oil, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure and almost certain engine failure. Always use the pickup tube that is specifically matched to your oil pump and oil pan combination, and ensure it is properly secured and clearanced.
What are the signs of a failing oil pump?
The most obvious sign is low oil pressure, which you’ll see on your gauge or warning light. You might also hear noise from the engine, like ticking or rattling from the valvetrain, as components aren’t getting proper lubrication. In severe cases, the engine may begin to overheat because oil also helps with cooling. If you suspect your pump is failing, it’s a problem you need to address immediately to avoid a complete engine seizure.
Is it worth upgrading to an ACL pump on a stock engine?
For a simple replacement, yes, an ACL standard pump is an excellent choice. While a generic, budget pump might be cheaper, ACL has a reputation for quality control and consistent performance that gives me peace of mind. You’re getting a component that meets or exceeds the original manufacturer’s specifications. It’s a reliable part that will do its job correctly. For a stock engine, you don’t need the Race Series, but the standard ACL pump is a solid, trustworthy option for your 8 best ACL oil pump review for consistent performance needs.