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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 04:28 PM
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I ordered the C7Z51 but I've never had a dry sump system and would like to rely on the members here to ask a couple of questions.

First, and foremost, are they reliable?

Second, what do I need to do to service or maintain it?

Any issue with long distance high speed drives?

Thank you for responses.
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by C7Z51_2014
I ordered the C7Z51 but I've never had a dry sump system and would like to rely on the members here to ask a couple of questions.

First, and foremost, are they reliable?

Second, what do I need to do to service or maintain it?

Any issue with long distance high speed drives?

Thank you for responses.
I have a dry sump system in my C6 Z06. Absolutely reliable and the only real difference is that I have 2 drain plugs instead of one. One for the sump and one for the pan. The method by which you check the oil is different as well. You need to wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to drain back to get an accurate reading. The oil is filled through the sump reservoir.

As far as reliability there are no issues. If you track the car and generate high G's it will prevent oil starvation. I take mine on trips all the time with no issues. Leaving for Carlisle on Wednesday
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 04:41 PM
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Suggest you post in the C6-Z06 forum, all those cars are dry sump. Basics are that you get better oil flow in high speed cornering as the oil does not get pushed to the side of the oil reservoir, also holds 10 quarts as to 5.5 for the non Z51 cars.
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 04:49 PM
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I disagree about posting this on the C6-Z06 forum. I have never had this system before and I learned a lot about my new C7 Z51. Thanks for posting here.
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 11:30 PM
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Thank you for the replies, this was helpful.
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Old Aug 18, 2013 | 11:41 PM
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No worries with the dry sump. As mentioned, there is a slight difference in how you drain the oil and how you check oil level. Not a big deal. It's there to protect the engine given its handling capabilities. It's a good thing.
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Old Aug 19, 2013 | 03:32 AM
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Originally Posted by repo czar
I disagree about posting this on the C6-Z06 forum. I have never had this system before and I learned a lot about my new C7 Z51. Thanks for posting here.
Why wouldn't you post in the C6Z06 forum? They have all the info you need about dry sump. That's where it started. It's the same system in the C7.
You will get real world info and suggestions. The C7 isn't out yet!
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Old Aug 19, 2013 | 08:20 AM
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Just do a little searching...and remember that the LT1's system may have some differences than this or the LS7's system.

Reliability of oil flow is the whole point. Any servicing should be explained in your car's documentation.

Last edited by BlueOx; Aug 19, 2013 at 08:25 AM.
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Old Aug 19, 2013 | 11:43 AM
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The dry sump in my 2006 Z has had no issues at all. The biggest complaint some guys have had is that it takes a LOONG time to get the oil warm. In normal driving it sometimes stays below 150 degrees
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Old Aug 19, 2013 | 11:46 AM
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more expensive oil changes
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Old Aug 19, 2013 | 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by 95jersey
more expensive oil changes
Since there is alot more oil in system! It would seem maybe you don't have to change as often?
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Old Aug 19, 2013 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by harley2
Since there is alot more oil in system! It would seem maybe you don't have to change as often?
Technically yes. GM is going to recommend you change the oil according to the DIC which will probably be every 6-8K miles.

I myself like to change it a lot sooner than that just to make myself feel better. A waste of money? Yes!
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Old Aug 19, 2013 | 12:05 PM
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First, let me say that if I order a C7 it will have the dry sump. But I think I remember the C6 system having at least one issue with the reservoir pick-up tube, if I'm not mistaken. Any time you introduce more parts, the potential for problems increases, but with the g potential of the car, the dry sump becomes almost a necessity. I once saw a Porsche blow its engine doing a skid pad, and keeping that in mind, I watched my oil pressure gage when my turn came. I started losing oil pressure after a lap or two (this in a C4). The dry sump almost eliminates this as a problem.
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