Well, here's a good one. Some guy on eBay paid $441.00 for a GM #3848907 oil pump (eBay #200042205376). The GM #3848907 oil pump was used for 64-65 Corvettes with SHP mechanical lifter engines as well as 70-72 LT-1 and 67-72 Z-28 Camaro. Except for the installed pressure relief spring, it's exactly the same pump as the GM #3764547 used for virtually all other 1959 through 1985 small blocks.
Both of the above-referenced pumps are GM-discontinued. However, there are replacements available for them. The GM #3848907 is replaced by the GM #12555884. The latter is a high quality, PRODUCTION-validated oil pump which is virtually identical to the 3848907. In fact, if I recall correctly, I think that the primary difference is that the cover screws are metric instead of SAE. In any event, the pump will perform identically and will be equally durable.
Keep in mind that the oil pump is an INTERNAL engine component. No one will ever see it. Plus, even if they could see it, probably 99% of the judges wouldn't be able to tell the difference, anyway. The GM #122555884 oil pump currently lists for $81.36 and can be purchased for about 60 bucks. Beyond that, you can purchase a Melling M-55HP for about $35. This pump will provide equivalent performance and durability.
So, why pay $441? Well, there are 2 reasons that I suspect. First, the guy that bought this is one of these "Camaro guys" that pay absolutely ridiculous prices for things. I expect that most of the high dollar buyers bidding against him (and, consequently, driving up the price) are "Camaro guys", too.
Second, I think that to some folks, the car hobby gets to be like a religion. We all know what that can cause folks to do.
Both of the above-referenced pumps are GM-discontinued. However, there are replacements available for them. The GM #3848907 is replaced by the GM #12555884. The latter is a high quality, PRODUCTION-validated oil pump which is virtually identical to the 3848907. In fact, if I recall correctly, I think that the primary difference is that the cover screws are metric instead of SAE. In any event, the pump will perform identically and will be equally durable.
Keep in mind that the oil pump is an INTERNAL engine component. No one will ever see it. Plus, even if they could see it, probably 99% of the judges wouldn't be able to tell the difference, anyway. The GM #122555884 oil pump currently lists for $81.36 and can be purchased for about 60 bucks. Beyond that, you can purchase a Melling M-55HP for about $35. This pump will provide equivalent performance and durability.
So, why pay $441? Well, there are 2 reasons that I suspect. First, the guy that bought this is one of these "Camaro guys" that pay absolutely ridiculous prices for things. I expect that most of the high dollar buyers bidding against him (and, consequently, driving up the price) are "Camaro guys", too.
Second, I think that to some folks, the car hobby gets to be like a religion. We all know what that can cause folks to do.
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