[dragman64]

How far away should the pickup be from the oil pan???

 

[dark7068]

1/4-1/2 in. I believe. Books I have say parallel with the pan mounting flange for a stock pan.

 

[89 coupe]

Actually 1/4-3/8" but I prefer 3/8" with a high volume pump otherwise you can cause too much suction and cause oil "stall" and cavitation of the pump. 3/8" gives enough clearance with high volum oil pump and loose clearances to avoid the possible problems.