Ecotec V6 Dry sump

[Gareth]

G'day,

Has anyone ever done this to a V6 before? If so did you fabricate your own sump or is there one available off the shelf?

Any pics would be great, I'm considering fitting one to my speedway car and am trying to weigh up whether its viable or not.

I have googled the crap out of this with no luck, the only thing close to proof that this has been done before is this poor quality video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkX61O_p5uw

Any help appreciated

Gareth

[vlad01]

Yes it does exist and has been around for the v6 for over 30 years in the following form.

The Formula Holden cars all run dry sump and the FH group on facecrap have some details on it and occasionally for sale. You could try joining the group and asking if anyone has one for sale. Only issue is those guys are very cagey and if they get wind of non FH owner they are reluctant to deal with you, understandable though as they are very significant historical cars and parts are hard to come by.


Here are some pics I pinched from the group that should give you an idea.

If you were to get one, it will fit except one bolt rear left of the block in a different location slightly, but just a coat of sealant and bolt it up and it will never leak. I have an eco sump on my Buick that you might recall. Alternatively, you can add the new thread hole in the block to suit as I did, just to be sure.

[immortality]

That does like bloody interesting

I'm guessing you have oil control issues?

Have you considered fabricating a new sump, baffled and gated? ASR do some nice engine sumps and might have some pics of something you can copy. That way you can also set up an external oil pickup.

[Gareth]

Vlad, that clears a lot up, thankyou. But I'm not on facebook and have no intention to be. I'll find another way to contact someone with formula Holden parts.

Immortality - No oil control issues, just looking at doing this as HP benefit.

I'm thinking at the moment using a cast alloy sump as a basis, cut the hump off at the front and weld up. It's nice to have the above pics for reference.

[immortality]

Fair enough, HP is HP where ever you can get it.

Someone good at sand casting could probably make some coin here if they could re-produce that sump.

edit: You going to fit low tension rings and run high vacuum to edge out that extra few HP?

[Gareth]

edit: You going to fit low tension rings and run high vacuum to edge out that extra few HP?

Yep, that is correct.

If I can get hold of one, I'd consider 3D scanning it and having it machined from billet....

[immortality]

It probably wouldn't be to hard to replicate if you have access to a good mill and measuring equipment.

I'd make some subtle improvements, I'd make a step in the bottom where the suction ports are and incorporate a crank scraper and it's plenty thick to incorporate the mount for the dry sump pump on the side and potentially a mount on the other side for a low mount alternator (not sure what your current set up is).

There is some good potential here.

[vlad01]

Yeah fair enough, facecrap is called facecrap for a reason. I mainly use it for memes and to talk to/contact businesses as most businesses have moved away from having a website and market through facecrap. Very frustrating as it is a very broken platform and the search results from google on stuff you are looking for is getting thinner and thinner by the day.


Anyway, for sure the eco sump could be cut off as a basis, should be pretty straight forward for the most part.

Is your engine internal specs still the same from when you built it? If so, a cam upgrade would realize the engines potential and open a substantial amount of hp, that cam was it's limiting factor by far and is still only mild/moderate in the grand scheme of things.

[Gareth]

Is your engine internal specs still the same from when you built it? If so, a cam upgrade would realize the engines potential and open a substantial amount of hp, that cam was it's limiting factor by far and is still only mild/moderate in the grand scheme of things.

Yes it is, after having completed more than a 1000 laps in anger it was due for a freshen up, that and the valve springs lost tension and it was valve bouncing at 6500rpm... It survived being overheated, run without an air cleaner for 80 laps and swallowing blue metal rocks and constant limit pushing driving. It has been great but it is time for some love and upgrades. I'll probably start a new thread on this engine build but the thoughts this time around are - loose weight from the valve train (going from stainless to titanium valves) lighter retainers and collets. Change to a solid cam, new clutch which is 8kgs lighter than the alloy race clutch I was running, lighter alternator, cut weight from the crank (crank is a COME unit that weighs 3kgs more than stock), deburr the block internals better for windage/internal engine aero, polish the chambers, etc.., etc...

The only issues found on pull down where that the magnet from the cam gear had escaped and gone for a ride around the timing gears at some point, the #2 big end was ready to spin (pics soon), head gasket leak on #3 via O ring grooves, valve spring are shot, valve guides shot.

[Gareth]

so this happened already..