Sbc Oil Pan: Windage Tray Compatibility Explored

A windage tray is an engine control part that regulates the flow of oil within the crankcase, allowing the crank and rotating assembly to move more freely. It acts as a physical barrier, protecting the moving crank from the sloshing oil and reducing drag and friction. This results in improved horsepower and performance. While windage trays are not necessary for daily-driven or stock applications, they are commonly used in racing and high-performance applications as they help to maximize engine performance and gain horsepower. For SBC oil pan options, Moroso and Canton Racing Products offer a range of windage trays that fit stock or aftermarket oil pans.

SBC short style screen wind age tray for left-side dipsticks

The SBC short style screen wind age tray is designed for left-side dipsticks. This short style tray is compatible with both stock and aftermarket oil pans that have stock front sections. It effectively prevents oil from the sump from entering the rotating assembly when the vehicle is in motion, resulting in reduced wind age around the crank and less turbulence in the sump. This, in turn, leads to improved engine performance and horsepower savings.

The wind age tray is a product of Canton Racing Products, a company with a long history in the racing industry. Since 1981, they have been manufacturing oil pans and engine-related products for racing and high-performance applications. Their expertise and commitment to quality are evident in the construction of this wind age tray, which is made in the USA and priced at $78.

For proper installation, it is recommended to use the SBC Windage Tray Mounting Stud Kit (20-920) as an accessory. This kit ensures the tray is securely mounted and can perform optimally.

If you are looking for a similar product but for an aftermarket pan, Canton Racing Products also offers the SBC full-length screen wind age tray (20-911). This full-length tray is specifically designed for left-side dipsticks and fits into aftermarket oil pans with deeper fronts. Like its short-style counterpart, it offers improved oil control and horsepower savings by reducing wind age and turbulence.

Windage trays for racing and high-performance applications

Windage trays are an essential component for racing and high-performance vehicles, as they help regulate the flow of oil within the engine crankcase. By separating the sloshing oil from the moving crank, windage trays optimise the performance of the rotating assembly, allowing it to move more freely and efficiently. This, in turn, leads to improved horsepower and acceleration.

The benefits of windage trays are twofold. Firstly, they act as a physical barrier, protecting the crank from the oil and reducing drag and friction. This allows the crank to rotate more smoothly, which is crucial for high-performance applications. Secondly, windage trays help direct the flow of oil back to the oil supply, ensuring a more efficient and controlled movement. This is especially important in racing scenarios, where engines operate at higher RPMs and efficient oil management is critical.

Windage trays are typically made from mesh screen or steel and are designed to fit the specific dimensions of the crankcase. They are easy to assemble, often using windage tray bolts, and are compatible with a range of high-performance projects. While windage trays are not necessary for daily-driven or stock applications, they are a valuable addition to any racing or high-performance vehicle, where maximising engine performance and horsepower is a key priority.

By installing a windage tray, racing enthusiasts can take control of the flow of oil within their engine, reducing the negative effects of windage, such as increased temperature and reduced oil thickness. This, in turn, helps protect the rotating assembly and maximises the engine's performance, giving racers the edge they need to succeed.

Louvered vs. screen windage trays

Louvered and screen windage trays are both designed to manage windage, or the flow of air within the crankcase, by keeping oil in the sump and preventing it from getting into the rotating assembly. However, there are some key differences between the two types of trays.

Louvered windage trays feature solid trays with louvers that allow for rapid oil return to the sump. They are designed to provide optimum protection against oil splash-back and can increase power. Louvered trays are ideal for street and strip applications and can be adjusted to the desired height above the rods. According to Milodon, a louvered tray can add about 12 to 15 horsepower to a 400-horsepower street engine.

On the other hand, screen windage trays, also known as mesh trays, feature a perforated or mesh design that allows oil to drain back into the sump. They are known for producing less "splash" and sending less oil back up into the crank. Screen trays are often recommended for engines with limited oil pan depth as they can be placed closer to the rotating assembly without causing excess splashing. In addition, screen trays may be preferred in drag racing applications as they have been found to improve ET (elapsed time). According to Milodon, a screen tray can add up to 25 horsepower to a 400-horsepower street engine.

When deciding between a louvered or screen windage tray, it is important to consider factors such as engine specifications, intended use, and personal preference. Both types of trays have their own advantages and can improve the performance of an engine, but the optimal choice may vary depending on the specific application.

It is worth noting that some individuals have found success with alternative setups, such as using no windage tray at all or combining a windage tray with a crank scraper. Experimentation and testing may be necessary to determine the best configuration for a particular engine and application.

Oil pan baffle vs. windage tray

When it comes to the oiling system of your engine, choosing the right pan for your specific application is a lot more important than just asking the question “What will fit my engine and chassis?” – it is such a critical component that can alter the performance of your engine.

Oil Pan Baffle

Oil pan baffles are important in keeping the oil contained in the sump so that it does not get back into the rotating assembly. They are one-way hinged baffles that will allow oil to flow freely in one direction, but if the oil tries to reverse direction, its pressure closes the flap, restricting the flow of oil and preventing starvation.

Windage Tray

Windage trays are either mounted directly to the main caps of the engine or in the oil pan itself and usually have a crank scraper as a component. They prevent the rotating crankshaft's turbulence from becoming so great that it agitates and heats the oil to the point it starts to froth. They also isolate the oil in the pan from the turbulence of the rotating crankshaft.

Both windage trays and oil pan baffles are important for different reasons. If you had to choose between them, a baffled pan would be the better option as keeping a constant supply of oil to the bearings is more important than picking up a few HP from reducing windage. However, there is no reason why you should have to make this choice as windage trays are not exactly expensive.

Windage tray installation

A windage tray is designed to keep the flow of air around the crank from affecting the oil in the sump area. This allows oil to enter the sump without disrupting the scavenging of oil that is already there. A windage tray also prevents oil in the sump from entering the rotating assembly during vehicle motion.

Installation

To install a windage tray, first ensure you have purchased the correct tray for your vehicle. Windage trays are available for a range of different engines, including Chevy Small Block, Ford, and Chrysler.

Once you have the correct windage tray, the installation process is as follows:

• Remove one main cap and run a flat-nosed tap into the bolt hole to finish the threads at the bottom.
• Install the tray studs lightly into the block with an Allen wrench.
• Install the main cap and torque to 65 ft/lbs with oil.
• Install the washer-faced nut with the flange up and lay the tray on top.
• Adjust the tray height to a minimum of 1/8" above the rods.
• Install and tighten the top flange nut to 35 ft/lb.

It is important to note that using stock tray bolts may cause the tray to mount very low in the pan and interfere with a stock pan baffle, affecting the performance of the windage tray. Therefore, it is recommended to use adjustable tray studs for proper installation.

Frequently asked questions