The paper presents the results of experimental studies into the dependences of the axial pump performance (delivery rate, head, efficiency) in lead coolant on the parameters of the straightening device (SD) installed downstream of the impeller (the SD inlet flow angle and the number of the SD blades with a variable impeller speed change). The studies were performed as applied to the operating conditions of small and medium plants with lead cooled fast neutron reactors with horizontal steam generators (BRS GPG). The designs of such plants are being matured at Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University (NNSTU). The experiments were conducted on the FT-4 NGTU test bench at the lead coolant temperatures in a range of 440 to 500 °C. The number of the test blades was five and eight, and the SD inlet flow angle was 22, 24, 28, and 32°. The tests were also performed without an SD (with the SD dismantled). The shaft speed of the NSO-01 NGTU pump, with changeable SDs installed into its rotating assembly, was varied in a range of 600 to 1100 rev/min with a step of 100 rev/min. The SD sleeve diameter was 82 mm, the SD blade diameter and height were 213 mm and 80 mm respectively, and the maximum lead coolant flow rate during the studies was up to ~ 1650 t/h. The NSO-01 NGTU pump performance was determined with four changeable straightening devices and with no SD, the pump shaft speed being 600 to 1100 rev/min, as the circulation circuit hydraulic resistance changed owing to the movement of the wedge in the valve installed in it. The tests were performed with the impeller designed and supplied by NNSTU (D = 213 mm, dsl = 82 mm, the blade number is four, and the blade angle is 28°). The obtained results are recommended for use to design axial heavy liquid metal coolant pumps.