3X2

Go about halfway down this page:
http://www.atiracing.com/products/da...serp.htm#Ybody

Contact ATI. Mybe a LS3 hub with a LS9 pulley setup???????
They show this balancer:
SK128H6 LS9 WET SUMP LONG SNOUT

LeForce

Sounds promising! This might even eliminate the need to use a spacer.

LeForce

I just read the following article:
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/eng...th-gen-camaro/
While converting the LS9 to wet sump, the builder had retained both the original front cover & balancer while installing a wet sump oil pump (Cadillac CTS-V's) & modifying an LS3 oil pan so is can fit the front cover. They had used a some sort of crank snout spacer that must have been placed inside the cover between the crank sprocket & cover, unlike the LS7 conversations where the spacer is usually placed on top, between the balancer & crank bolt. I think that the above will be my plan A, since it sounds more cost effective. I just have to figure out the crank snout spacer issue & fabricate one, plus modify the front of the wet sump oil pan so it can fit.
The guys in the article had used a CTS-V oil pump (supercharged LSA) is that pump interchangeable with the LS3 oil pump, same dimensions & thickness?

3X2

My gut feeling is not to modify the pan.

LeForce

Check the attached image, the difference between the wet sump pan & the LS9 front cover, it doesn't look that bad, modifying the pan by perhaps adding an insert should solve the issue. My main concern is the crank snout & the spacer...having the drive system & oil pump functioning properly.

pcguy2u

Personally, I would be very reticent to make that modification - but that's just me. In the middle of a pro-touring restomod project on a 70 Chevelle with a 14 Camaro SS L99/6L80 donor. While the project is a huge undertaking, with huge body modifications and all the wiring, interior, features like NAV, complete dash, etc. along with the floor/firewall being moved into the Chevelle, I resisted making any changes to the engine and tranny setup.


Getting close; paint next week and hope to have this on the road sometime this year.


Good luck with your drifter project.
Nick

3X2

I still would not modify the pan. I'd still go with the LS3 front cover and crankshaft gear, oil pump pick up tube, and windage tray. Use the (LS3??) oil pan that comes in the installation kit. Contact ATI about a balancer that would work with a long snout crank and LS3 front cover that keeps the serp belt pulley in the correct location. Your call on an oil pump. The LSA sounds reasonable. All the dry sump to wet sump conversions I did on LS7's still were dry sump engines when done. I use Dailey Engineering pans and pumps or a.r.e belt driven scavenge pump and a stock wet sump oil pump.

LeForce

I'll contact ATI & ask about their balancer. What are the cons of having to modify the pan?
This is the pan I plan to use, it has a build in oil level tube & dip stick, so I don't have to drill one into the engine.

3X2

From past experience, you modify something like that, you own it is there is a problem. i.e. it leaks. I'd rather have an off the shelf part that if something happens, I can get my hands on it as soon as possible. Again, just my opinion. Now if the company that sells it, modifies it, then ok.

Looks like a sheet metal pan, not a cast one. Am I correct? Looks more involved in modifying after the fact. Who is the company that sells the conversion kit you are planning on using?

LeForce

Yes it's a sheet metal pan, just like most swap related pans. The company is Sikky, which is specialized in LSx swaps. The kit includes engine/gearbox mounts, oil pan, driveshaft, and headers.

3X2

Do they have any recommendations as to what to do when using a LS9?

LeForce

No, they just mentioned the fact that their pan won't fit on a dry sump engine. On a side note are any LSx headers compatible with the LS9?

3X2

Headers are chassis dependent.

LeForce

I 99% figured what my plan is, I'll be installing a CTS-V wet sump pump, LS3 crank sprocket, LS3 front cover. So I won't have to modify the oil pan. I'll use the original balancer & placing a spacer between the balancer & crank sprocket. I'll post some photos once I receive all the parts.
Thank you for all the feedback

3X2

Doesn't the spacer go between the balancer and bolt, not between the balancer and gear?

LeForce

I believe that's the case when converting an LS7, but with the LS9, pushing the balacner inward would put it out of belt alignment. I spoke with AIT as you recommended & they said that their damper would work but it's currently out of stock with 120 days lead time. It was actually their advice to install a spacer 'behind' the balancer. Come to think about it, it's a good idea, the spacer would be fixed in place between balancer & gear regardless of cover type being used.
Any thoughts?

3X2

I've not done a LS9, just 7's. Does the spacer have the correct diameter and surface finish? Is it not going to rotating in the front cover seal?

3X2

Give these guys a try:
https://www.lingenfelter.com/product...l#.WnMLCWeWzDc

LeForce

I'll be fabricating the spacer myself, judging from photos, there is enough clearance between cover seal & crank snout. In many engines the balancer base would usually protrude inside the cover, I'm not sure about the LS9.

3X2

the balancer hub rids in the seal. Make sure what ever way you go, it will seal properly. With a FI engine, you'll have increased crankcase pressure.