Valley Pans: Necessary Or Not?

The valley pan is a component of an engine that is designed to keep hot oil away from the bottom of the intake manifold, preventing it from getting too hot. It also helps to keep debris away from the cam and lifters, which are located just below the valley pan. Some people choose not to use a valley pan, especially when installing an aftermarket intake manifold that does not require one. However, others argue that the valley pan is beneficial in keeping the engine cool and protecting it from potential damage caused by hot oil or loose lifters. Ultimately, the decision to use a valley pan may depend on the specific engine configuration and personal preference.

Do I need a valley pan if I have a stock manifold?

A valley pan is not required for a stock manifold. However, it does serve several purposes. Firstly, it keeps hot oil from splashing onto the bottom of the manifold, preventing it from heating up the intake air and reducing engine performance. Secondly, it helps to seal the intake manifold, preventing leaks. Finally, it keeps the lifters in their bores, which is important if you break a rocker stud or bend a pushrod, as it can prevent you from losing oil pressure.

Some people choose to use both a valley pan and gaskets for a better seal. However, it is important to note that the use of the wrong type of sealant can cause leaks and even damage to the engine. RTV sealant, for example, should not be used as it does not stand up to gasoline. Instead, a stronger sealant like "The Right Stuff" brand RTV or aircraft Permatex gasket sealer is recommended.

When installing a valley pan, it is important to follow the correct procedure. This includes using the proper amount and type of sealant, ensuring that the pan is positioned correctly, and torquing the bolts to the specified value.

In conclusion, while a valley pan is not required for a stock manifold, it can provide several benefits, including improved engine performance, better sealing, and protection against oil pressure loss.

Do I need a valley pan for a Cleveland engine?

The Cleveland engine has an intake manifold that has an area that runs under the carburettor, tapping into the exhaust. This helps to improve running when the engine is cold. The valley pan is used to stop oil from splashing onto this heated area and vaporising, causing oil usage. Not using the valley pan doesn't generally cause many problems, and some people don't bother with it. However, it is recommended to use the valley pan, especially if your engine has an exhaust crossover.

The valley pan is also used to keep the hot oil off the underside of the intake. A cooler air/fuel mix is a denser one, and heat robs horsepower. The same theory applies when using a cool can or an intercooled turbo. The valley pan is there to stop hot oil from splashing the intake and preheating the air as it comes into the engine.

If you are using an Edelbrock manifold, it is recommended that you do not use the valley pan. However, there are some people who still use the valley pan with the Edelbrock manifold without any issues. It is also important to note that if you are using an intake that has openings, you will need to use a valley pan to completely seal the lifter valley.

In conclusion, while it may not be necessary to use a valley pan with a Cleveland engine, it is generally recommended to do so, especially if your engine has an exhaust crossover. The valley pan helps to prevent oil splashing and vaporisation, as well as keeping the intake cool. If you are using an Edelbrock manifold, you may not need to use the valley pan, but it is still a good idea to check with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Do I need a valley pan to keep oil in?

A valley pan is not always necessary, but it does serve several purposes. Firstly, it keeps oil in and debris out, as the cam and lifters are located just below the valley pan. Secondly, it helps to keep hot oil off the bottom of the intake manifold, which can add a little power. This is especially beneficial in hot climates, as it keeps the intake air temperature cooler. Additionally, the valley pan can help to keep the lifters in their bores if a rocker stud breaks or a pushrod bends, preventing a rapid loss of oil pressure.

When deciding whether or not to use a valley pan, it's important to consider the type of intake manifold being used. If the manifold has openings, a valley pan is recommended to completely seal the lifter valley. Some aftermarket companies sell composition gaskets that serve the same purpose as the valley pan, but it's worth noting that the factory setup often does a better job of keeping oil off the intake. For example, the factory metal tray can be easily removed and cleaned, whereas the aftermarket gaskets can be difficult to scrape off and clean.

When installing a valley pan, it's important to ensure proper sealing to prevent oil leaks. RTV silicone can be used to seal the front and rear of the valley pan to the intake or block. It's also important to use the correct type of gasket; paper gaskets are typically recommended, while rubber end seals should be avoided as they can be too thick and may not seal properly.

In summary, while a valley pan is not always required, it can be beneficial for keeping oil in, debris out, and maintaining optimal engine performance. It is also an important safety measure to prevent rapid oil loss in the event of a broken rocker stud or bent pushrod. When installing a valley pan, proper sealing and the use of the correct gaskets are crucial to ensure its effectiveness and prevent leaks.

Do I need a valley pan for a tunnel ram intake?

A tunnel ram is a high-performance intake manifold that straightens the path of the fuel/air mix, speeding up its flow to the combustion chamber. This results in a boost in horsepower.

Valley pans are used to seal the "valley" between the heads of old-style V-8 engines. They keep oil in and debris out, and also help to keep oil off the intake. They are not necessary for all engines, and their use depends on the type of engine and the presence of other components such as exhaust crossovers.

If your tunnel ram intake does not have a casting that seals the block and heads to keep oil in and debris out, then you will need a valley pan. This is to prevent oil from splashing up onto the bottom of the hot intake and causing issues such as leaks or burning and smoking.

Some people choose to use a valley pan to improve sealing and prevent leaks, especially when using certain types of intakes or when there is a possibility of misalignment. It is important to follow the instructions that come with the valley pan and use the correct type of sealant to ensure a quality seal.

In summary, the use of a valley pan with a tunnel ram intake depends on the specific engine configuration and the presence of other components. If your tunnel ram intake does not have a sealing casting, or if you are experiencing sealing issues, then a valley pan is recommended.

Do I need a valley pan for a stock intake?

A valley pan is used to seal the lifter valley in an engine's intake manifold. It is not always necessary to use a valley pan, and it depends on the type of intake manifold being used. If the intake manifold has openings, a valley pan is required to completely seal the lifter valley.

For example, in a Ford 460 engine, a valley pan is not required when using an Edelbrock intake manifold. However, some people choose to use a valley pan with an aftermarket gasket to prevent leaks. In this case, it is recommended to use silicone sealant or RTV (room-temperature vulcanizing) silicone to seal the intake manifold, rather than rubber or cork gaskets.

In other cases, such as with a 351M engine, a valley pan may be beneficial to prevent oil leaks and to keep hot oil from splashing onto the intake manifold, which can lead to smoking. It is also important to consider the type of cylinder heads being used, as some aftermarket aluminium cylinder heads do not require a valley pan.

Additionally, a valley pan can provide other benefits, such as keeping the intake charge cooler, resulting in a slightly more powerful engine. It can also help to maintain oil pressure during pushrod or rocker arm failure by keeping the lifters in their bores, except with roller cams.

Frequently asked questions