Road Racing an LS3 SS
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
Catch tanks are good for your fellow competitors. If you have all of your stock PCV systems in place you will burn most of it off.
This little guy is swallowing a pint of oil, Right? I thought this was the universal sign of the LS engine on track. 
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Hmm thats weird my car actually eats the full synthetic oils faster than the normal stuff... I tried Mobil 1 full synthetic 10W-30 and it burned it so fast I could have sworn I had a hole in the pan, and that was just spirited street driving. Switched to Rotella 15W-40 (yes I know its a diesel turbo oil) and now it only burns a quart or so every month. My car has 30psi at idle and up to 60psi when im running it hard. Havent actually done a track event yet, but many auto-x's which I check my oil level after every run.
Newb questions --> Can accusump be used along with the oil pan baffle? Is a ported LS3 oil pump plenty for hard racing?
The car has full suspension but only street tires right now. I am in the process of trying to get R-comps and yes I drive the living **** out of it (when safe)
Newb questions --> Can accusump be used along with the oil pan baffle? Is a ported LS3 oil pump plenty for hard racing?
The car has full suspension but only street tires right now. I am in the process of trying to get R-comps and yes I drive the living **** out of it (when safe)
Unfortunately, some oil in the intake is a normal site with an LS engine. Mallett Cars did years of research for GM on this issue and oil consumtion. I don't know what the out come was.
Catch tanks are good for your fellow competitors. If you have all of your stock PCV systems in place you will burn most of it off.
This little guy is swallowing a pint of oil, Right? I thought this was the universal sign of the LS engine on track.
Catch tanks are good for your fellow competitors. If you have all of your stock PCV systems in place you will burn most of it off.
This little guy is swallowing a pint of oil, Right? I thought this was the universal sign of the LS engine on track. 
True. A few of the guys have started running a newer PCV check valve that I guess significantly reduces the oil consumption and blow by, as well as the catch cans. Apparently those with just catch cans are emptying them out either daily or per weekend as they fill full (depending which can they have).For me, I've had corner workers tell me they were milli-seconds away from meatball flagging me for puffs of smoke coming out of corners (more so than Oli, Ryan, and the rest of the SoCal group). So a catch can is going in to thwart their urges to take me out of the race
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
Hmm thats weird my car actually eats the full synthetic oils faster than the normal stuff... I tried Mobil 1 full synthetic 10W-30 and it burned it so fast I could have sworn I had a hole in the pan, and that was just spirited street driving. Switched to Rotella 15W-40 (yes I know its a diesel turbo oil) and now it only burns a quart or so every month. My car has 30psi at idle and up to 60psi when im running it hard. Havent actually done a track event yet, but many auto-x's which I check my oil level after every run.
Newb questions --> Can accusump be used along with the oil pan baffle? Is a ported LS3 oil pump plenty for hard racing?
The car has full suspension but only street tires right now. I am in the process of trying to get R-comps and yes I drive the living **** out of it (when safe)
Newb questions --> Can accusump be used along with the oil pan baffle? Is a ported LS3 oil pump plenty for hard racing?
The car has full suspension but only street tires right now. I am in the process of trying to get R-comps and yes I drive the living **** out of it (when safe)
My oil pressure is 57 at idle and runs at 60 psi full temp track conditions. (LS6 C5 reference.)
I would run an accusump as cheap insurance for road racing and tracking. The accusump is independent from the oil pan. The accusump feeds directly into the side of the block.
Driving hard on the street in nothing like the abuse you will see on the track.
Hmm thats weird my car actually eats the full synthetic oils faster than the normal stuff... I tried Mobil 1 full synthetic 10W-30 and it burned it so fast I could have sworn I had a hole in the pan, and that was just spirited street driving. Switched to Rotella 15W-40 (yes I know its a diesel turbo oil) and now it only burns a quart or so every month. My car has 30psi at idle and up to 60psi when im running it hard. Havent actually done a track event yet, but many auto-x's which I check my oil level after every run.
Newb questions --> Can accusump be used along with the oil pan baffle? Is a ported LS3 oil pump plenty for hard racing?
The car has full suspension but only street tires right now. I am in the process of trying to get R-comps and yes I drive the living **** out of it (when safe)
Newb questions --> Can accusump be used along with the oil pan baffle? Is a ported LS3 oil pump plenty for hard racing?
The car has full suspension but only street tires right now. I am in the process of trying to get R-comps and yes I drive the living **** out of it (when safe)
builder: what oil were you running?
you: xxxx xxxxx xxxxx
builder: well that's you're problem, you should have ran xxxx xxxx, I only warranty my motors that run that oil.
Total ******* cop-out, but that's today's industry more often than not.
TECH Resident
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
I've read repeatedly that the extra quart of oil is essentially a must-do before even thinking about putting a wheel on the track (for HPDE and the like). I've also read favorable comments on the Improved Racing baffle insert, but would like some input from those that have used one on the track.
Andy1
Andy1
Hmm, and I planned my engine build to be done with a LS3 block... I want the engine to be safe if i plan to go to a track and have some fun, maybe I don't have the skill to really push the car, but I wouldn't want this type of problem. I thought LS3 blocks are better than LS2 LS1 LS6.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
I've read repeatedly that the extra quart of oil is essentially a must-do before even thinking about putting a wheel on the track (for HPDE and the like). I've also read favorable comments on the Improved Racing baffle insert, but would like some input from those that have used one on the track.
Andy1
Andy1
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I've got about 250-300 miles on my freshly built LS3 with fairly tight clearances (.018-.019 on the rings, don't recall the rod/main clearances) in my 98 Z28. Mostly a street car that will see some random HPDE duty. For now I'm using the stock LS1 pan, the Improved Racing baffle, and 6 qts. I found that my dipstick has a hole which is spewing oil on aggressive left turns and hard straight acceleration. I have the replacement dipstick waiting to be installed. Still using the LS1 PCV system with the LS3, not sure if that's useful or the correct method. Once it's broken in I'll probably go back to Redline 10W-40.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
Hmm, and I planned my engine build to be done with a LS3 block... I want the engine to be safe if i plan to go to a track and have some fun, maybe I don't have the skill to really push the car, but I wouldn't want this type of problem. I thought LS3 blocks are better than LS2 LS1 LS6.
I have some interest in building an LS2 to get the 4" bore. I don't think it has the same issues.
I friend of mine has been running his C6 LS7 Z06 in NASA TT for 2 seasons and I think he is on his 4th motor. 1 was his fault. I think the two blocks are from the same mold. Maybe. I do know I will NOT use an LS7 for my next power plant in the C5.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
I've got about 250-300 miles on my freshly built LS3 with fairly tight clearances (.018-.019 on the rings, don't recall the rod/main clearances) in my 98 Z28. Mostly a street car that will see some random HPDE duty. For now I'm using the stock LS1 pan, the Improved Racing baffle, and 6 qts. I found that my dipstick has a hole which is spewing oil on aggressive left turns and hard straight acceleration. I have the replacement dipstick waiting to be installed. Still using the LS1 PCV system with the LS3, not sure if that's useful or the correct method. Once it's broken in I'll probably go back to Redline 10W-40.
I have been running a stock LS6 bottom end since 2003, with ARP rod bolts and a 3 quart accusump. It has several different cams and heads, but the same block. It finally gave up the ghost at Hallett. The stock pistons have started to come apart. It has run as many as 480 RWHP. I don't think the pistons cared too much for the high compression of ETP heads.
TECH Resident
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Yeah, that's pretty much SOP from a reliability standpoint for a non track-only car. I'm still un-decided on the Accusump and was wondring what benefit that Improved Racing baffled insert really has vs. the extra quart only. My dilema is where to stop. I know all the stuff that 'should' be done (Accusump, trans cooler, oil cooler, etc), but I intended my 914 Porsche/LS1 to be a street car though the racer in me wants to do some suspension tuning on the track.
I've been helping a friend develop the handling/suspension on his 914/500HP 383" SBC. It's basically a track car with license plates; caged, fire system, big tires, 180 headers, etc. It has a 3 Qt Accusump and roadrace oil pan. He's had zero oiling problems; pretty amazing when I think about it.
Andy1
I've been helping a friend develop the handling/suspension on his 914/500HP 383" SBC. It's basically a track car with license plates; caged, fire system, big tires, 180 headers, etc. It has a 3 Qt Accusump and roadrace oil pan. He's had zero oiling problems; pretty amazing when I think about it.
Andy1
Both are simply just insurance. What costs more, a new motor (3,245 shipped LS6 from SDPC...or a whole new build for that matter), or adding a baffle and accusump?
Since I got my C5 racecar I've only taken the Camaro on track once, and I didn't push it. I just went out to have fun and took that mentality with me on the track. Before I got the C5 though, I took it out and beat on it. I have the baffle in the camaro, after looking at it when installing I see how it would help and I'm sure it really does help..but to what extent I don't know. that's a question you'd have to talk to Improved Racing about. I'm sure I still pulled over 1G though, I was at Sears Point and run Nitto NT-01's on the Camaro with shocks, springs, sway bars; and well, with the right line through the carousel, you're still moving a pretty good speed when not pushing past 80-85%.
Since I got my C5 racecar I've only taken the Camaro on track once, and I didn't push it. I just went out to have fun and took that mentality with me on the track. Before I got the C5 though, I took it out and beat on it. I have the baffle in the camaro, after looking at it when installing I see how it would help and I'm sure it really does help..but to what extent I don't know. that's a question you'd have to talk to Improved Racing about. I'm sure I still pulled over 1G though, I was at Sears Point and run Nitto NT-01's on the Camaro with shocks, springs, sway bars; and well, with the right line through the carousel, you're still moving a pretty good speed when not pushing past 80-85%.
True. A few of the guys have started running a newer PCV check valve that I guess significantly reduces the oil consumption and blow by, as well as the catch cans. Apparently those with just catch cans are emptying them out either daily or per weekend as they fill full (depending which can they have).For me, I've had corner workers tell me they were milli-seconds away from meatball flagging me for puffs of smoke coming out of corners (more so than Oli, Ryan, and the rest of the SoCal group). So a catch can is going in to thwart their urges to take me out of the race
http://www.mikenorrismotorsports.com...atch_Cans.html
TECH Resident
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Both are simply just insurance. What costs more, a new motor (3,245 shipped LS6 from SDPC...or a whole new build for that matter), or adding a baffle and accusump?
Since I got my C5 racecar I've only taken the Camaro on track once, and I didn't push it. I just went out to have fun and took that mentality with me on the track. Before I got the C5 though, I took it out and beat on it. I have the baffle in the camaro, after looking at it when installing I see how it would help and I'm sure it really does help..but to what extent I don't know. that's a question you'd have to talk to Improved Racing about. I'm sure I still pulled over 1G though, I was at Sears Point and run Nitto NT-01's on the Camaro with shocks, springs, sway bars; and well, with the right line through the carousel, you're still moving a pretty good speed when not pushing past 80-85%.
Since I got my C5 racecar I've only taken the Camaro on track once, and I didn't push it. I just went out to have fun and took that mentality with me on the track. Before I got the C5 though, I took it out and beat on it. I have the baffle in the camaro, after looking at it when installing I see how it would help and I'm sure it really does help..but to what extent I don't know. that's a question you'd have to talk to Improved Racing about. I'm sure I still pulled over 1G though, I was at Sears Point and run Nitto NT-01's on the Camaro with shocks, springs, sway bars; and well, with the right line through the carousel, you're still moving a pretty good speed when not pushing past 80-85%.
On your Camaro, did you run an extra quart of oil along with that Improved Racing baffled insert?
Which is the carousel at Sears? I ran there three times back about 20 years ago and don't recall the track descriptions; fun track but few run-off areas.
Andy1
Yes, extra quart. It's turn 6, the fast downhill left hand sweeper
I have a purpose built race chassis with a new LSx 376 Crate Motor - Kevko 4 way baffled race pan and a 3QT Accusump System.
We tend to pull 1.87G's in long sweepers - both left and right angles - there has been ZERO Oil Pressure Loss and the Accusumps have not kicked in - if you design your system correctly, apply the right protection measures, you should not have any issues.
We tend to pull 1.87G's in long sweepers - both left and right angles - there has been ZERO Oil Pressure Loss and the Accusumps have not kicked in - if you design your system correctly, apply the right protection measures, you should not have any issues.
