When you’re pushing hard on the racetrack, maintaining optimal engine oil pressure is critical. With that in mind, GM-performance specialist Katech is now offering a new oil pump for the GM LTÂ engines, otherwise known as the fifth-generation of the GM Small Block.
According to Katech, the stock dry-sump oil system on GM LT engines has exhibited low oil pressure in high-output applications, otherwise known as when being tuned. When tested against the stock setup on a tuned 1,000-horsepower GM LT engine, the new Katech oil pump showed a 25 percent increase in oil pressure at 6,000 rpm, and a 45 percent increase in oil pressure at 3,000 rpm.
The new Katech pump includes a modified pressure circuit, a unique billet 4140 steel gear, and new gear lobe geometry. Besides increased oil pressure performance, the new Katech pump also improves oil evacuation from the oil pan with a 54 percent increase in scavenge capacity compared to the stock setup. We think the piece looks pretty snazzy as well.
“If you are racing, or have a high-output LT engine, this would be the oil pump to have,” said lead engineer Eric Suits. “It will give you the peace of mind that your bearings, crank, rods, pistons and lifters are getting well oiled at adequate pressure.”
The new Katech oil pump is designed to fit GM LT engines with dry-sump lubrication, specifically the LT1, LT4 and LT5. That makes it the perfect upgrade for race-ready models like the Chevrolet Corvette C7, Chevrolet Camaro SS and ZL1, as well as the third-generation Cadillac CTS-V.
| Make | Model | Engine | Horsepower (hp @ RPM) | Torque (lb-ft @ RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Corvette C7 | LT1 | 455 @ 6,000 | 460 @ 4,600 |
| Chevrolet | Camaro SS | LT1 | 455 @ 6,000 | 455 @ 4,400 |
| Chevrolet | Corvette Z06 | LT4 | 650 @ 6,400 | 650 @ 3,600 |
| Cadillac | CTS-V | LT4 | 640 @ 6,400 | 630 @ 3,600 |
| Chevrolet | Corvette ZR1 | LT5 | 755 @ 6,400 | 715 @ 3,600 |
Some minor engine control recalibration may be required to make the Katech pump work properly with a given vehicle application. However, the pump will fit with either the stock engine cover or Katech’s billet VVT delete cover.
The new Katech GM LT engine oil pump can be found at KatechEngines.com. Pricing is listed at $899.99.
In addition to offering a variety of aftermarket performance parts, Katech is also known for its high-spec crate engines and complete vehicle packages. The Michigan-based firm has also provided engines to GM’s winning Corvette Racing team.
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Comments
The increase in scavenge ability from the oil pan by 54 percent is huge. This factor alone can save an engine in offroad bumpy situations, as well as cornering, both onroad and off. The 45 percent in pressure increase in oil pressure at 3000 RPM is where even street engines operate almost everyday, so once again. this oil pump will help your engine last longer under normal commercial driving conditions.
Not all LT1s are dry sump.