I have information that you guys might be interested in. I was browing thru the Ford Specfictications on the Duratec 3Ls and it seems Ford might have given the newer 3L engines a "bigger" oil pump.
This is the spec for a 98 Duratec 3L (Taurus)
Oil Pressure (Hot 1500 RPM) 138-310 kPa (20-45 psi)
This is the spec for a 01 Duratec 3L (Escape)
Oil Pressure (Hot 448 RPM) 310 kPa (45 psi)
According to these specs, it makes the same or more pressure at a lower RPM. Food for thought...