The Ls Cast Pan Dry Sump: A Comprehensive Overview

LS cast pan dry sumps are a type of oil pan used in automotive engines, specifically those found in LS-platform vehicles. Dry sump oil pans are designed to address the issue of oil starvation that can occur in racing applications with wet sump systems. They are constructed from Areospace Alloy Cast Aluminum, which provides strength, vibration damping, and effective sealing. The interior of the pan features a custom-engineered windage tray that ensures efficient scavenging of oil through the pickup locations. ARE Dry Sump Oil Pans are CNC machined for accuracy and recommended to be used with ARE-designed fittings, which include integral screen filters. This eliminates the need for an in-line filter. When selecting an oil pan for an LT-engine swap, it is important to consider the chassis setup, engine and transmission mounts, intended vehicle use, and engine type.

LS-1 Ultra Shallow Pan #1009

The LS-1 Ultra Shallow Pan #1009 is an "ultra shallow" LS1-6 pan with an overall depth of 2.000". It is designed for use with a direct-to-block 4 or 5-stage dry sump pump and is commonly used in Le Mans cars. The pan is made from Aerospace Alloy Cast Aluminium, which provides inherent strength, vibration damping, and sealing abilities. It is then CNC Machined for ultimate accuracy.

The interior of the pan includes a custom-engineered windage tray to ensure the ultimate scavenging of the oil through the pickup locations. ARE, the manufacturer of the pan, recommends using only ARE-designed fittings, which include built-in integral screen filters. This eliminates the need for an in-line filter.

The LS-1 Ultra Shallow Pan #1009 is a high-performance product designed for racing applications. It is important to note that this product is not suitable for standard vehicles and should only be used in racing or high-performance settings.

For more information on the LS-1 Ultra Shallow Pan #1009, including technical drawings and specifications, you can visit the ARE Dry Sump website or contact their customer support team.

LS-7 Corvette Dry Sump Oil Pan #1007

The LS-7 Corvette Dry Sump Oil Pan #1007 is a direct "bolt-on" pan that replaces the factory oil pan. It utilises the factory internal dry sump oil pumps and is compatible with all factory air conditioner and drive ancillaries. The oil pan is made from Aerospace Alloy Cast Aluminium construction for strength, vibration damping, and sealing abilities. It is then CNC machined for accuracy.

The interior of the pan includes a custom-engineered windage tray to ensure maximum scavenging of the oil through the pickup locations. The manufacturer recommends using ARE-designed fittings with built-in integral screen filters. This eliminates the need for an in-line filter.

The LS-7 Corvette Dry Sump Oil Pan #1007 is designed for racing applications and can help combat oil starvation experienced by wet-sump systems. It is important to note that the GM LS dry-sump Corvette oil pans have two drain plugs, and the correct plug for the pre-prime's return (outlet) line is located ahead of the oil filter.

The LS-7 Corvette Dry Sump Oil Pan #1007 is a performance upgrade for the Corvette LS7 engine, providing improved oil scavenging and ensuring adequate lubrication during high-performance driving conditions.

LS-1/LS-6 Gen III and Gen IV Corvette Dry Sump Oil Pan

The LS-1/LS-6 Gen III and Gen IV Corvette Dry Sump Oil Pan is a dry sump oil pan designed for serious racers. It fits LS1, LS6, and LS2 Corvette, Camaro, and Firebird derivative motors. This dry sump oil pan is designed for use with a dry sump external oil pump, helping to eliminate drag from excess oil on the crankshaft and allowing more power to be utilised efficiently.

The installation of this oil pan requires the removal of air conditioning in most cases. It is important to note that oil lines, a scavenge pump, and a drain tank are not included but are required for the setup. When ordering, it is recommended to specify the type of vehicle it will be used in.

All ARE Dry Sump Oil Pans, including the LS-1/LS-6 Gen III and Gen IV Corvette Dry Sump Oil Pan, are constructed from Areospace Alloy Cast Aluminum. This material is chosen for its inherent strength, vibration damping, and sealing abilities. The pans are then CNC Machined for ultimate accuracy.

The interior of the pan includes a custom-engineered windage tray to ensure optimal scavenging of the oil through the pickup locations. ARE designed fittings, which include built-in integral screen filters, are recommended for use with this oil pan. This Screen Fitting design eliminates the need for an in-line filter.

The LS-1/LS-6 Gen III and Gen IV Corvette Dry Sump Oil Pan is also available with internal pump supply fittings and seals, utilising a proprietary fitting to work with the stock pressure pump.

LT1/LT4 dry sump

The LT1 and LT4 are both Gen V Small-Block V-8 engines. The LT4 is based on the same architecture as the LT1 but includes several unique features designed to support its higher output and the greater cylinder pressures created by forced induction.

The LT1 and LT4 engines can be configured for either dry or wet sump oiling systems. The dry sump system is a competition-only setup that offers better lubrication for high-rpm motors and helps eliminate windage in the crankcase. It is also more expensive to set up than a wet sump.

When converting an LT1 engine from a dry sump to a wet sump, several components need to be swapped out, including the crank, oil pan, oil pump, timing gear, crank balancer, and possibly the oil cooler. The process is expected to be quite involved.

For LT1/LT4 dry sump applications, a dedicated oil tank is required, which can be challenging to find a suitable location for, especially in smaller vehicles like the BMW 6 Series. The tank can cost around $1000 from a reputable supplier, and additional expenses for hoses, fittings, adapters, and brackets can quickly add up to $2000 or more.

The ATI 7.480" Diameter C7 LT1-LT4 DRY SUMP Damper is a high-performance crankshaft damper designed exclusively for Chevy engines. It eliminates torsional crankshaft vibrations and exceeds SFI 18.1 specifications.

In conclusion, while the LT1 and LT4 engines can be configured for dry sump applications, it is a more complex and costly setup compared to a wet sump system, especially for street vehicles. The dry sump system may be more suitable for racing or track-themed cars that experience high rpms and require improved lubrication.

LS-1 Direct To Block Oil Pump

The LS-1 Direct To Block Oil Pump is a high-volume oil pump that is designed to provide efficient lubrication to the moving parts of an engine. Oil lubrication is crucial to prevent engine components from seizing up due to friction and heat. The LS-1 pump is an aftermarket upgrade for LS-series engines, offering increased oil flow and pressure compared to the standard factory pump.

The LS-1 pump is designed to mount directly to the front of the engine block and is driven by the crankshaft. This eliminates the camshaft-driven oil pump driveshaft used in earlier designs, reducing drag and improving efficiency. The pump draws oil from the pan through a long pickup tube and pressurizes it before sending it through the main gallery on the driver's side of the block. From there, oil travels up to the main feed gallery and lubricates the lifters, cylinder heads, valvesprings, rocker arms, and other critical components.

The LS-1 pump is available in both standard-volume and high-volume configurations. The high-volume option can provide an increase in oil volume of up to 33%, making it ideal for engines with loose bearing clearances or those requiring external oil coolers. The pump is constructed from billet aluminium with a hard-anodized finish for added durability. It also features a CNC-machined pump cover with countersunk screws for improved timing cover clearance.

When upgrading to the LS-1 pump, it is crucial to ensure proper clearance between the oil pump pickup and the pan. Inadequate clearance can result in oil starvation and lead to insufficient flow and pressure. Additionally, the use of a remote filter installation kit may be necessary if there is insufficient space for the oil filter in the engine compartment.

The LS-1 Direct To Block Oil Pump is a popular choice for LS engine builders and enthusiasts, offering improved performance, efficiency, and reliability compared to the factory oil pump. With its high-volume capabilities and durable construction, it is well-suited for a wide range of applications, from street cruisers to high-performance race cars.

Frequently asked questions