Well I think I’m moving into the no check valve camp. Just wanted to post for anyone else thinking of installing a check valve.

Started the car Saturday to head out to test and tune and was letting it warm up when the oil pressure light went off -20lbs. Giving it a tad of throttle and the gauge would fall back just a bit. Shut the car off and prepped the lift, got back in and when I started it. it took 4-5 seconds to build pressure and the oil pressure was back up to 60. Drained the oil, pulled the check valve and the plunger was gone. Pulled the pump and filter looking for the plunger but didn’t find anything. I cut the filter open, clean as a pin. Not sure where the plunger is, but it will likely go back together without a check valve.

I had it out the week before and it was holding 40 lbs at idle once the oil was hot (VR-1 20/50 Dino) and it held 80lbs down track at 7200, so no issues. Just really thankful it came apart idling in the shop and not at 7200.