A lubrication system designed for high-performance engines, specifically those based on the Big Block Chevrolet (BBC) architecture, replaces the standard wet sump system. This specialized system relocates the oil reservoir outside of the engine block, typically to a separate tank. This external storage allows for a shallower oil pan, minimizing oil slosh and maximizing crankshaft clearance. A multi-stage pump scavenges oil from the engine and circulates it to the external reservoir, effectively preventing oil starvation, especially during aggressive driving conditions such as racing.
The implementation of this system offers significant advantages for engines operating at high RPM and under intense G-forces. By mitigating oil starvation, engine reliability and longevity are increased. The reduced oil in the crankcase also diminishes windage, a phenomenon where the rotating crankshaft interacts with the oil, creating parasitic drag and reducing power output. While conceptually similar systems have existed for decades, advancements in pump technology and reservoir design have steadily improved efficiency and reliability, making this approach more accessible and effective for a wider range of performance applications.
