I'm trying to gauge interest in a dry sump lubrication system for our Z's. If you are wondering what a dry sump system is go here:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question331.htm

A company I have been working with is developing a system for competition but may make this available in the aftermaket. The only discouraging aspect may be that the motor may require removal for installation and access to the oil pan.

The biggest advantage is re-gaining lost horsepower from oil sloshing around and its effect at the crank. This system probably wouldn't allow you to drop the motor for a lower center of mass/gravity due to the already minimal clearances between motor and chassis.

I am under the assumption that most people who would be interested are weekend racers or are involved in competitive motorsports.

Any comments or thoughts would be helpful.

 

very interested.. but why would access to the oil pan require engine removal? I haven't pulled off the oil pan (yet), but I see no reason why doing so would require pulling the engine. Perhaps it's too tight to access the area where the oil pump mounts?

 

The oil pan is in 2 parts...an upper and lower. You either have to lift the engine out to access it or drop the front suspension /crossmember out of the car.

 

Initial indications are that clearances are less of an issue with the stock components and more to do with the new ones...I can't speak for the company and what exact components but I can only assume it has to do with the replacement pan/scavenge sections and pump.

 

I'm interested, but where would you place the oil tank? There isn't alot of free space in the Z ya know.

 

In a system like that, can the oil be properly drained? How difficult is it to change oil, that is...

 

To me..this would definatley be a race only application. The main benifit to dry is you eliminate the possibity of oil starvation under constant high-g conditions....such as on a road coarse. For the street, I see no reason for this setup....especially given the high costs involved.

A lot of motorcycles have this dry sump setup...for the exact reason I described. The bike is constantly leaned over on its side when on the track...without dry sump, the bike wouldnt be getting much oil.....also on a bike...the oil typically also lubricates the tranny and clutch...its the same oil running though both. No on my Ducati...it has a dry clutch...so oil doesnt lubricate that area.

 

Interested, but the 10-15 horses you'll gain for all the dollars this will cost kinda throw me off. I would like more oil capacity and the g-force resistance, but where will the reservior go in an engine that has turbos?

 

i was thinking of doing this as well just for the shock factor where does all of the equipment mount?

 

Sharif:

I have to disagree with you partially. This does not eliminate all possibilities of oil starvation if it is not properly designed like all things. If you do research on dry sump you will see that there are a few different kinds of oil pan catch screens. I believe the most favored is the screen on the upstroke side.

I believe that Sharif is right that this a race only need. Just be careful. Just because a company says they can make one does not mean they can do it right.

 

If you can get the cost to under $4k then that would be awsome.

 

How do you figure a dry sump system will add 10-15 horsepower? There is no power to be gained from this system, it is purely to keep the engine lubricated during road-course racing. If you need oil capacity add a spacer...that is more than enough for street use.