LS6 Batwing Oil Pan

A search of the site came up with one post documenting this pan doesn't fit, but just how bad doesn't it fit? Could it be modified to do the job? I'm just considering all options to avoid oil starvation and wondered how much security this would gain me if I could make it work.

Thanks!

I've never tried that pan. Best guess is that the exhaust manifold downpipes would have no way to exit the engine bay due to the pans' kick-outs. The pan would first have to be low profile enough to fit between the engine and the crossmember. Then it would have to be clearanced for the steering bosses. It would be some significant modifications. At that point I may consider the dry sump system (no idea how or if it would work), or a standard converted pan with an accusump or a pan that has serious baffling installed.

I don't see why the steel pan we all use can't be modified by making kick-outs and baffles with whatever space you have left after fitting your exhaust system. Only reason I suggest the steel pan is that the batwing pan is cast aluminum which could be a pita to weld.

Interested in hearing from others who may have tried that pan as to why is doesnt work.

looking at the measurements i dont think it will fit. looks im guessing the batwing pan will want to share space with the crossmember. i dont think the wings would be an issue as far as exhaust exit goes.

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just a thought, but if its close modding the crossmember could be an option. you could start with one of those 3 piece crossmembers and build the center piece out of round steel tubing. could also cut a significant amount out of the crossmember and box it back in. just a thought.

I haven't tried one, but I don't see it working at all. You would have to build a whole new crossmember and relocate the steering rack forward. Plus, long tube headers definitely won't work with it in the 944.

Another issue with the batwing pan, is that they are known for causing oil starvation in hard corners.

All good thoughts here guys, thank you. The biggest red flag for me though is the mention of batwing pans oil starving. I was under the impression that in the C5 Z06 the batwing pan was part of the "magic" that allowed the LS6 to thrive in track environments. Knowing that definitely changes my perspective.

JP

jpkinerk wrote:All good thoughts here guys, thank you. The biggest red flag for me though is the mention of batwing pans oil starving. I was under the impression that in the C5 Z06 the batwing pan was part of the "magic" that allowed the LS6 to thrive in track environments. Knowing that definitely changes my perspective.

JP

I work closely with the local Vette performance shop. They replace a lot of engines in the C5's for oil starvation. The Z06 is actually a dry sump engine, so It doesn't have near the problems of the base vettes with the batwing pan.

We did try that pan in the early days and it is not an option.

Sorry

I did talk to a guy who used an L92 oil pan recently.  He trimmed it a bit, but it worked.

Checking back on the email here is what he said, "L92 truck pan is what I used cut 1/2 inch to clear Xmember and 1 1/2 out of sump."

I would like to do this myself, but I can't weld aluminum...

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Ha, that's ironic because I'm running an L92, but alas I think the TPC pan is what I'll be sticking with. It's a great unit and is well baffled. I had already ordered on actually, I've just been doing research to hedge my bets for the long track sweepers. Dry sump just seemed like it was going to be a pain to get the pan and lines to work. My currently plan is TPC oil pan and an accusump system.

Speaking of, I thought Accusumps were just for startups and such, I didn't realize you can set them up to come on when oil pressure drops (like in a sweeping turn) for 3-4 seconds. Has anyone set this up? I'm guessing it read oil pressure and has some sort of switch that triggers? I didn't see any accessories on their site that seemed to fit this bill.

superman22x wrote:I did talk to a guy who used an L92 oil pan recently.  He trimmed it a bit, but it worked.

Checking back on the email here is what he said, "L92 truck pan is what I used cut 1/2 inch to clear Xmember and 1 1/2 out of sump."

I would like to do this myself, but I can't weld aluminum...

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an accusump is an oil accumulator. most people think of them for pre oiling on start up, however thats only part of what its for. the idea is on start up you open the valve on the accusump and it will fill the oiling system with oil and assure no dry starts ocurre. once the engine is started engine oil pressure fills the accusump back up. if at any point the engine is running and the oil pressure drops for any reason, oil will be pushed out of the accusump and into the engine. once the oil pressure returns the accusump will be filled back up again. the valve needs to be closed before the car is shut off in order to keep the accusump full for the next startup. an electric valve model makes life a lot easier, you can wire it to the ignition switch so opening and closing it is never an issue.

Do you have the old L92 oil pan? I'll trade a set of Z06 caliper adapters for the pan, haha.

Ahhh, thanks Sharkey! That's so simple. Leave it to me to overcomplicate things. That makes total sense. I see now why everyone talks about these Accusumps now.

JP