Katech Introduces Billet Dry Sump Oil Pump For The LS9

It’s no secret that finding replacement parts for GM’s legendary LS9 has become increasingly difficult, a fact compounded by the fact that, earlier this year, Chevrolet Performance quietly discontinued the LS9 long block entirely. That’s left owners of the engines either hunting for components that can be reconditioned into something usable or creating completely custom solutions, usually for big money. One of the biggest headaches has been the factory LS9 dry sump oil pump, where good used cores have become difficult to find, and rebuilding worn originals isn’t always the best solution. Well, friends, Katech Engineering believes it’s found a better answer.

What’s better? Rather than recreating GM’s original design, Katech has improved upon it. The company’s new TrackFlow LS9 Billet High-Pressure High-Capacity Scavenge Dry Sump Oil Pump (KAT-A7974) is a completely re-engineered replacement that delivers a 62 percent increase in scavenge capacity along with an eight percent increase in peak oil pressure over the factory unit. For anyone building a high-horsepower, LS-powered street or track car, those gains translate into improved oil control and a greater safety margin when engine speeds and temperatures climb.

Notice that I said LS-powered instead of LS9-powered? That’s because while the billet aluminum pump was designed specifically for 2009-2013 Corvette ZR1 applications using the factory LS9 dry sump system, it can also be used on LS7 and LS3 dry sump combinations where builders are looking for additional oil pressure. “The LS9 remains one of the most iconic production performance engines ever built,” said Katech owner Mark Rapson. “With OEM pumps discontinued and quality cores becoming increasingly difficult to find, we didn’t want to simply reproduce the original pump—we wanted to improve it.”

Unlike rebuilt factory pumps, Katech’s unit starts with an all-new billet housing, eliminating the need to source an increasingly rare OEM core. The unit is then fully machined and assembled at Katech’s headquarters in Clinton Township, Michigan. The pump, with an MSRP of $1,699.99, is available now through Katech and its authorized dealers. And for owners determined to keep one of GM’s most celebrated supercharged V8s alive, and perhaps push it well beyond factory power levels, it may prove to be one of the most important LS9 products released to date.

Of course, that philosophy is nothing new for Katech. Since 1977, the Michigan-based company has built a reputation for developing championship-winning race engines while supplying high-performance components for enthusiasts who demand OE-level engineering with race-proven durability. The new TrackFlow pump joins Katech’s growing family of oiling products aimed at serious street and competition applications.

As factory LS9 parts continue to disappear from dealer shelves, aftermarket companies are becoming increasingly important to the future of GM’s most legendary supercharged small-block. Rather than simply filling a gap in the market, Katech saw an opportunity to improve one of the engine’s most critical systems. By combining a billet housing with increased scavenge capacity and higher oil pressure, the TrackFlow pump gives builders more confidence, whether they’re preserving a stock ZR1 or pushing an LS9, LS7, or dry-sump LS3 well beyond factory limits.