Dry sump oil pump question
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,376
Likes: 1,118
Why do you need to touch the pump at all? Are you changing the timing chain and gears? If so, thats probably just a waste of time and money, especially on a stock bottom end LS3. If you're not changing the timing chain and gears, all you need to do to get the cam gear off is to pull the tensioner aside to take the strain off the timing chain, pin it (I used a small hex tool to do that, even though they have a special pin for it) and then pull the bolts off the cam gear and take the cam gear off. There's no need to pull the chain off the crank gear, just leave it hanging there until you've swapped the cam and reinstalled the cam gear. Seriously, not trying to insult, but if you're not familiar with doing a cam change in an LS motor, I would suggest that you find someone who has to at least help you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 815
Likes: 1
From: Georgetown TX
If you're swapping the cam, I WOULD remove the oil pump. First, there is no tensioner on a dry sump LS3, but an LS2-style dampener. On mine, the timing chain was VERY tight with virtually no slack and could not be reinstalled without sort of "walking" it on, and since you won't be able to see the timing mark with the pump on, it's a good idea to remove it.
It's not difficult, though putting it back on is a bit trying, since you need to line up the two oil pump gears properly on the crank. Remove the 4 bolts, and try and wiggle it off. Mine was too tight, so I used a feeler gauge to slide under the pump between the rubber gaskets to help get it off. I slid it back on and once seated, tapped it all the way on.
Also keep in mind that you already have a 3-bolt cam, so no need to purchase the gear, and you will need an LS7 crank bolt to replace your present 'single-use' one.
Some pics to (hopefully) assist you below.
It's not difficult, though putting it back on is a bit trying, since you need to line up the two oil pump gears properly on the crank. Remove the 4 bolts, and try and wiggle it off. Mine was too tight, so I used a feeler gauge to slide under the pump between the rubber gaskets to help get it off. I slid it back on and once seated, tapped it all the way on.
Also keep in mind that you already have a 3-bolt cam, so no need to purchase the gear, and you will need an LS7 crank bolt to replace your present 'single-use' one.
Some pics to (hopefully) assist you below.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,972
Likes: 48
From: NCM Lifetime#2195 Bulverde, Texas 78163
St. Jude Donor '13
The issue you will have is reinstalling the oil pump. A lot of people have damaged the oil pan gasket reinstalling the oil pump. I would not remove the oil pump unless you are changing the chain.
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