TermnEatr

iTrader: (24)

My motors almost ready to drop in and I found a thread about drilling holes in lifter trays for oil return I didn't do this and don't want to pull my heads off really to do it. Does everyone do this is it that big of a deal and do I need to make sure I do it?

Darkman

iTrader: (2)

I would not pull the heads to do this. There are two schools of thought on this. One says that the holes help the oil to return to the bottom end quicker. The other says that once the trays are full of oil the rest will overflow anyway.

TermnEatr

iTrader: (24)

That's what I originally thought about the overflow.

99T/AMAN

iTrader: (1)

I read the same thing and still didn't drill holes in mine. Figured it was designed that way it was for a reason. I wouldn't pull it back apart to do it

Gray86hatch

iTrader: (83)

I would drill them. Even if they do fill up and oil runs over it is that much oil not avalible in the pan.

The room around the trays for oil to return is limited to begin with.

Tim

trans_am7935

iTrader: (15)

GM has been designing these engines for about 15-16 years now (early prototypes in early 94-95) and they have yet to modify the the design in the lifter tray. This may be something that certain people do, doesn't mean that is right or wrong, but i would stick with a proven design that has been slaughtering ford motors since 1997!

i am not saying it is wrong, but unless you see 5k+ rpm more then 5-10sec at a time, have a high volume pump and a stock oil pan (all of these together) then this does not seem like it would benefit much.

Damian

iTrader: (89)

I classify this as a "feel good" mod...

Feel Good Mod: A modification that is nearly impossible to prove without a shadow of a doubt that it's beneficial, but it feels good to do and won't hurt.

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

Since you already found a thread(s) regarding the issue, why bring it up again? Usually, leads to nothing more than a lot of mumbo jumbo.

If it's street & recreational drag strip car there's no benefit. If it's a street car or any car that sees a road course, for that matter, it is beneficial. Have not seen or heard of any engine failures when the lifter trays are drilled in conjunction w/ a pre-oiler. Have seen an LS6 go while only using a pre-oiler, without drilled lifter trays, on a road course. Not to say that engine failure can't happen, but, we always make every effort to get oil back in the pan as soon as possible.

95ONE

iTrader: (1)

I do feel good. But certainly not worth removing the heads in this guys case.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Don't drill them and run a 1/2 a quart over when you fill your oil. Drilling them has no effect because of the reasons already stated above.

Daryn

iTrader: (19)

i personally would not drill them

Gordon0652

iTrader: (4)

Factory has not drilled them, and the motors run strong passed 150kmi... So why reinvent the wheel?

Jontall

Buy a set of link-bar lifters and put the trays on the shelf.

J1D2warrior

iTrader: (2)

not necessary. as already stated, its just a "feel good" thing.

Ronny_02_WS6

iTrader: (6)

+2 on that, not needed, just add a little bit more of oil and you'll be good.

TermnEatr

iTrader: (24)

Thanks guys just a curious ? To ease my mind ill leave them be

260B4U

iTrader: (4)

yes they will overflow when they get full..... meanwhile your motor is riding about 3/4 of a quart low because all your trays are full why would anybody want this?

TermnEatr

iTrader: (24)

Im guessing that why they say to run half a quart or a little more over.

JPH

iTrader: (2)

I would be more concerned with using a better oil pump then drilling holes in lifter trays. I have been there and done that. I don't drill them.

Damian

iTrader: (89)

Quick tip: Run the taller truck oil filter, and you can safely run 6.5 qts in an F-body without splashing above the windage tray. I did it for years in my own cars, and still do to this day in every car I build.

You're welcome.