The Ls7 Dry Sump Oil Pan: A.R.E's Performance Secret Weapon

The LS7 dry sump oil pan is a product of Armstrong Race Engineering (ARE), a company that specializes in dry sump systems for racing applications. ARE's LS7 dry sump oil pan is designed as a direct bolt-on replacement for the factory oil pan in certain vehicles, such as the Corvette. It utilizes the factory internal dry sump oil pumps and is constructed from Aerospace Alloy Cast Aluminum, known for its strength, vibration damping, and sealing abilities. The pan features a custom-engineered windage tray to ensure effective scavenging of oil through the pickup locations.

The LS7 oil pan is shallow, but the tank is harder to fit

The LS7 oil pan is a direct "bolt-on" replacement for the factory oil pan, utilising the factory internal dry sump oil pumps. The LS7 oil pan is shallow, and all ARE Dry Sump Oil Pans are made from Aerospace Alloy Cast Aluminium construction for its inherent strength, vibration damping, and sealing abilities. They are then CNC machined for ultimate accuracy.

The LS7 oil pan includes a custom-engineered windage tray inside to ensure the ultimate scavenging of the oil through the pickup locations. ARE also recommends using their designed fittings, which include built-in integral screen filters. This screen fitting design eliminates the need for an in-line filter.

While the LS7 oil pan is shallow, the tank can be harder to fit. The factory Corvette dry sump tanks may not fit well in a retrofit swap, and it is recommended to purchase an aftermarket dry sump oil tank. The Lingenfelter High Volume LS7 Lower Oil Tank Kit, for example, is designed to fit in the stock dry sump oil tank location without any modifications to the vehicle. It increases the system capacity and improves engine durability, making it ideal for road racing conditions.

Additionally, when converting to an LS7-style dry sump, other components such as the crank, front cover, and oil pump may also need to be changed to accommodate the new system.

A multistage pump is better than the stock LS7 format

The LS7 dry sump oil pan is a direct "bolt-on" pan that replaces the factory oil pan. It is designed to be used with the factory internal dry sump oil pumps and can be fitted without removing any factory components.

While the LS7 dry sump oil pan is a great product, a multistage pump is better than the stock LS7 format in several ways. Firstly, a multistage pump has multiple impellers installed and rotated on the same shaft, acting like separate pumps. This results in much higher pressure capabilities than a single-stage pump, making it ideal for applications where fluid needs to be moved over large distances with significant friction loss, such as supplying water to the top of tall buildings.

Secondly, the multiple impellers in a multistage pump allow for smaller impeller diameters and tighter clearances between the impeller and volute. This means that each impeller operates at its best hydraulic efficiency, resulting in higher performance with a smaller motor size and reduced energy consumption.

Therefore, if you are planning to spend a lot of time on a road course, investing in a multistage pump is a better option than the stock LS7 format. However, it is important to note that multistage pumps are generally used with water and other low-viscosity fluids due to their tight impeller clearances.

ARE Dry Sump Oil Pans are made from Aerospace Alloy Cast Aluminium

Firstly, cast aluminium is superior in terms of strength and durability. It is less prone to cracking or failing compared to steel, which is crucial in ensuring the longevity of the engine. Aluminium's malleability allows it to absorb impacts without suffering the same extent of damage as steel pans, which tend to hold their shape better.

Secondly, cast aluminium provides effective vibration damping. This means that it can reduce the transmission of vibrations throughout the engine, contributing to a smoother and more efficient performance.

Additionally, cast aluminium offers improved sealing abilities. The sealing properties of the material play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the oil pan, preventing leaks, and ensuring the optimal functioning of the oil system.

Another benefit of cast aluminium oil pans is their weight savings. Aluminium pans can be significantly lighter than their steel counterparts, contributing to overall weight reduction in the vehicle.

However, one consideration with cast aluminium is its cost. Aluminium pans are generally more expensive due to the material's higher price and the advanced welding skills required during fabrication. The welding process for aluminium differs from that of steel, demanding more careful heat application to prevent burn-through and warping.

In conclusion, ARE Dry Sump Oil Pans constructed from Aerospace Alloy Cast Aluminium offer enhanced strength, vibration damping, and sealing performance. These advantages contribute to the overall reliability and efficiency of the oil system, making cast aluminium a preferred choice for dry sump oil pans, despite the higher cost.

ARE Dry Sump Systems are used in HPD and Formula 4 racing series

The ARE Dry Sump System is a comprehensive solution, with each component serving a specific purpose. The system includes a dry sump oil pump, which is designed with attention to packaging, mounting, and fluid dynamics. The pumps are crafted from high-quality alloys and feature advanced gear/rotor designs, bearings, and seals. The system also incorporates CNC-machined dry sump oil tanks, which offer a range of ports and fittings, including dual scavenge returns, temperature sender and heater bungs, Spintric ports, and a dipstick to check oil levels.

The ARE Dry Sump System also introduces a patented "vent can" for the dry sump tank. This innovative design positions the air fitting at the highest point of the unit, with a 360-degree stainless steel filter, enhancing the efficiency and compactness of the system.

The ARE Dry Sump System is a well-engineered, high-performance solution for racing applications, ensuring efficient oil management and improved engine performance.

The ARE dry-sump system combats oil starvation experienced by wet-sump systems

Wet-sump systems, found in most production cars, rely on a single pump and the main sump below the engine to collect and circulate oil. This setup can lead to oil starvation during high-G loads or cornering, as the oil sloshes and moves away from the oil pickup, resulting in serious engine damage.

The ARE dry-sump system addresses this issue by utilizing multiple oil pumps and a separate oil reservoir. Oil falls to the base of the engine but is quickly drawn away by scavenge pumps and transferred to the external reservoir, which is designed to tolerate high amounts of oil slosh due to its tall and narrow shape and internal baffles. This ensures that oil is always available for the pressure pump to circulate back through the engine, even during extreme manoeuvres.

The use of a separate reservoir also increases oil capacity, allowing for longer oil change intervals and improved engine protection. Additionally, the external reservoir can be positioned away from the engine, improving vehicle handling and stability by lowering the vehicle's centre of gravity.

Another advantage of the ARE dry-sump system is improved oil quality. In wet-sump systems, oil aeration occurs when oil sloshes against the crankshaft and other spinning parts, creating an aerated froth that reduces its effectiveness in protecting engine components. The ARE dry-sump system minimizes oil aeration and utilizes de-aeration features in the reservoir to further enhance oil quality.

The ARE dry-sump system, therefore, provides a more reliable and efficient lubrication solution for high-performance engines, ensuring consistent oil supply and improved oil quality, even during extreme operating conditions.

Frequently asked questions