Selecting the proper oil pan is no longer achieved simply by looking up the vehicle application in a catalog. Popular engine swaps, modifications to the engine and how the vehicle will be used are considerations that must be evaluated to determine the proper oil pan. To help sort through these issues, Moroso has released a series of videos that walks the viewer through many of the choices facing today’s engine builder. And the popular aftermarket company has a couple of bonus videos covering wet-sump oil pumps and valve covers.
There are four videos covering oil pans, specifically the small-block Chevy, the big-block Chevy, the LS family and the small-block Ford (It’s currently mislabeled as big-block Ford). Using a very simple studio production set with representative pans displayed out front, the host explains the differences in the pans’ design, construction and materials. It’s not a bad idea to go through all the videos, even if you don’t have the engine dedicated to that video. There are good tips and solid advice that may help in other projects.
Knowing your application is stressed throughout the videos. There are fitment issues, both externally and internally that need to be addressed, especially for swaps and stroker cranks, respectively. The eventual use of the vehicle is also a major consideration. You obviously don’t want a drag racing pan on a road-racing vehicle.
With only three examples to work with for each video, not every possible scenario will be covered in the videos. However, there are enough tips and useful information to help engine builders gather information, consider the possibilities and check their budget before calling a Moroso tech rep and making the right selection.
In the oil pump video, you’ll see the differences between cast-iron and billet pumps as well as get pointers on high- and standard-volume options. Finally, with the dramatic expansion of cylinder head designs and new rocker arm styles, the need for correct valve covers becomes even more critical. The Moroso video covers the different materials, from stamped steel to billet aluminum, and offers excellent shopping advice.