LT4 Hypothetical Question For The Experts
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 276
Likes: 45
From: South Florida
LT4 Hypothetical Question For The Experts
Hypothetical question for those expert mechanics / engine builders out there. Okay, I know this is not a Camaro forum so please don't beat me up.
The 2023 Camaro ZL1 uses a wet sump LT4 that takes 10 quarts of oil. Lets say someone thinks it is a wet sump LT1, and puts in only 7 quarts of oil. Under normal driving conditions (not red lining) will this lead to a catastrophic failure?
Thanks
The 2023 Camaro ZL1 uses a wet sump LT4 that takes 10 quarts of oil. Lets say someone thinks it is a wet sump LT1, and puts in only 7 quarts of oil. Under normal driving conditions (not red lining) will this lead to a catastrophic failure?
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
So in a convoluted way you're asking what will happen if the engine is under-filled by 2+ quarts. It'll be fine if you need to get it somewhere. Seems easier to just add a little more oil to top it off.
Keep in mind that capacity has nothing to do with how much oil it needs during an oil change. If an engine wasn't fully drained and/or the oil filter wasn't changed, there's always residual oil in the engine to account for. On a 10qt engine, 9.0 - 9.5 is typical.
Keep in mind that capacity has nothing to do with how much oil it needs during an oil change. If an engine wasn't fully drained and/or the oil filter wasn't changed, there's always residual oil in the engine to account for. On a 10qt engine, 9.0 - 9.5 is typical.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 947
So in a convoluted way you're asking what will happen if the engine is under-filled by 2+ quarts. It'll be fine if you need to get it somewhere. Seems easier to just add a little more oil to top it off.
Keep in mind that capacity has nothing to do with how much oil it needs during an oil change. If an engine wasn't fully drained and/or the oil filter wasn't changed, there's always residual oil in the engine to account for. On a 10qt engine, 9.0 - 9.5 is typical.
Keep in mind that capacity has nothing to do with how much oil it needs during an oil change. If an engine wasn't fully drained and/or the oil filter wasn't changed, there's always residual oil in the engine to account for. On a 10qt engine, 9.0 - 9.5 is typical.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 276
Likes: 45
From: South Florida
Thanks for all the comments guys.
Here's the thing. The dip stick and tube from an LT1 was reused on a replacement LT4 long block by the installer. That is why he put only 7 quarts in there, because the dip stick showed it was full. According to GM's specs, the 2022-2023 ZL1 wet sump LT4 takes 10 quarts of oil, something the installer overlooked. A forum member on another thread indicated that the 2022-2024 ZL1 LT4 oil pan was redesigned by GM to use 10 quarts of oil instead of going to a dry sump design.
Here's the thing. The dip stick and tube from an LT1 was reused on a replacement LT4 long block by the installer. That is why he put only 7 quarts in there, because the dip stick showed it was full. According to GM's specs, the 2022-2023 ZL1 wet sump LT4 takes 10 quarts of oil, something the installer overlooked. A forum member on another thread indicated that the 2022-2024 ZL1 LT4 oil pan was redesigned by GM to use 10 quarts of oil instead of going to a dry sump design.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 906
Likes: 196
From: Northeast, PA
Thanks for all the comments guys.
Here's the thing. The dip stick and tube from an LT1 was reused on a replacement LT4 long block by the installer. That is why he put only 7 quarts in there, because the dip stick showed it was full. According to GM's specs, the 2022-2023 ZL1 wet sump LT4 takes 10 quarts of oil, something the installer overlooked. A forum member on another thread indicated that the 2022-2024 ZL1 LT4 oil pan was redesigned by GM to use 10 quarts of oil instead of going to a dry sump design.
Here's the thing. The dip stick and tube from an LT1 was reused on a replacement LT4 long block by the installer. That is why he put only 7 quarts in there, because the dip stick showed it was full. According to GM's specs, the 2022-2023 ZL1 wet sump LT4 takes 10 quarts of oil, something the installer overlooked. A forum member on another thread indicated that the 2022-2024 ZL1 LT4 oil pan was redesigned by GM to use 10 quarts of oil instead of going to a dry sump design.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 276
Likes: 45
From: South Florida
Stick a LT4 dipstick in and see where the oil lands on that dipstick, that should tell you whether it's too low or not. Unless the dipstick tube is also different... If you had/have oil pressure and didn't drive it crazy, then you should be fine. If you're truly worried about it, drain the oil through a coffee filter and inspect for metal. Cut the oil filter open and inspect for metal. No metal found, fill her up with 10 quarts and new filter and don't stress it.
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