Ultima LS3 oil sump clearance issues

[dm240]

Hi, I am building an Ultima RS, my first engine choice didn't fit at all (LSA, currenty for sale on eBay).
I have bought an LS3 525hp crate motor and still have an issue with the oil sump/filter.
It has a standard filter and sump and although the engine mount bolts fit, it is sat on the oil filter on the chassis cross member.
Will a shorter oil filter work? if so what filter should i buy?
Do I need a completely different oil sump? if so what do you recommend?

I've never been on a forum before so please bear with me.

Thanks Rob

[Arnold Cunningham]

Not familiar with the latest build spec, but worst case, remote oil filter adaptor.

Filters themselves are a "commodity" item - so yes, lots of different case sizes will fit. For example, on one of my motors, I'm running a filter that fits a 1960 VW Beetle. And it certainly isn't a beetle motor.

Edited by Arnold Cunningham on Sunday 23 February 22:26

[Boosted LS1]

Corvette ls3 sump?

[BogBeast]

Hi Rob

Is it just the engine in? No gearbox:? If so, you may find once the gearbox is fitted then it may raise the engine. enough to clear the filter. IIRC the std filter is 6", pretty sure you can get 4" http://www.improvedracing.com/tech/ls-engine-oil-f...

Else, as above a, a filter re-locate kit may be the simplest solution if the sump clears.

[UltimaCH]

dm240 said:

I've never been on a forum before so please bear with me.

Thanks Rob

Bob, as an Ultima owner you qualify for membership to the Ultima Owners Page on Facebook. Have you applied? Its very active there...

[Arnold Cunningham]

Yeah, it probably is the most active place with a number of in-progress builders posting.

[Boosted LS1]

It's also a forum with membership limitations, expanded membership could be useful. Still, it's good that anybody can post on PH and it has a link to PH.

[TR3B]

It's a real shame that Ultima Owners group is tied into Facebook. Thank heavens for PH.

[TR3B]

dm240 said:

Hi, I am building an Ultima RS, my first engine choice didn't fit at all (LSA, currenty for sale on eBay).
I have bought an LS3 525hp crate motor and still have an issue with the oil sump/filter.
It has a standard filter and sump and although the engine mount bolts fit, it is sat on the oil filter on the chassis cross member.
Will a shorter oil filter work? if so what filter should i buy?
Do I need a completely different oil sump? if so what do you recommend?

I've never been on a forum before so please bear with me.

Thanks Rob

Hey Rob! I think your best bet would be a filter relocation. Might even make changes easier depending on where it lands. You could find a shorter filter that would clear (probably) but then you'd have to figure out whether or not you were getting sufficient flow and particle removal. No sense in boning a motor on guesswork when there's a proven alternative.

Actually, come to think of it, even if you got a shorter filter to fit, would you have enough room to get it off for oil changes?

Edited by TR3B on Tuesday 25th February 04:57

[dm240]

Thanks for all the advice, apologies for the delay in responding I needed to have some account restrictions removed.
I’ve since heard from the factory and they are sending me the part number for the sump that clears the chassis and you can still access the filter.
I’ll share the part number when I receive it.
Thanks Rob

[Boosted LS1]

I'm pretty certain it'll be the vette ls3 as this topics cropped up before. You may need a new pick up tube and dipstick. Best double check.

[ROWDYRENAULT]

Rob: Your wallet does not want to hear this, but you need to dry-sump the car. Others will argue that the engine can live with a wet sump but IMHO after 12 years of owning 2 GTRs and just as many years on this forum, the cornering loads that this car can produce will cause you heartaches and bigger wallet problems. Spend the money now you'll be better off in the long run. Lee

[Boosted LS1]

^ I've seen a nice trap door kit for the LS 3 sump and the owner did a lot of high speed track work in europe. I agree that a dry sump set up has many benefits once you've got used to the thought of spending over £2k.

I'll see if I can find a picture, you'll probably recognise it.

ETA, I can't find it Lee and on reflection it was for an ls7 dry/wet sump arrangement. Could probably work with an ls3 pan.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Friday 28th February 18:54

[Arnold Cunningham]

When I built my spyder, 2k was a lot. (I was 21 and it was aong time ago)
Comparatively, 2k now isn't so much.

[dm240]

Thanks again for the responses, the factory have advised a Corvette sump with the addition of a windage tray see link below,
Www.improvedracing.com/tech/C6-corvette-LS2-LS3-oi...
I’ve ordered the full kit from Summit racing for about £540 inc postage and I guess duty and taxes will be about £120 when it arrives.
I’m going to advertise my old LSA lump on here.
Cheers
Rob

[Olas]

Given that the LS3 is an American engine, you should head over to BobIsTheOilGuy.com, a US based forum devoted to oil and filters and lubrication technology.

They will have a list of various different filters that are appropriate but of different lengths & diameters

google 'BITOG' and seriously consider advice re dry-sump. Any car that can generate significant G force is at real risk of oil starvation. Dry-sump is your bearings best friend.

Edited by Olas on Tuesday 3rd March 09:53

[Boosted LS1]

The first generation big wing sumps are probably the best wet sumps GM made but the 'wings' are probably incompatible with your chassis. They could be modified or removed though.