2001 Batwing oil pan...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 307
Likes: 120
From: Central PA
2024 C5of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2001 Batwing oil pan...
Hi Corvette group... Let me start by saying this is not a "for sale" post, just looking for some feedback.
I am going to be knee-deep into an upper oil pan gasket change here shortly, without removing the engine and was wondering if there is any market for the batwing oil pans? My thought was to take it off, sell it and then get one for an LS2. What are the pros and cons of doing this change and what else would need to be changed? I know I need the new pan, pick up, dipstick & tube; what else would I need?
I am going to be knee-deep into an upper oil pan gasket change here shortly, without removing the engine and was wondering if there is any market for the batwing oil pans? My thought was to take it off, sell it and then get one for an LS2. What are the pros and cons of doing this change and what else would need to be changed? I know I need the new pan, pick up, dipstick & tube; what else would I need?
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Moved to C5 Tech.
And I have seen FS posts in the past for the batwing oil pans. Do a search and you should be able to find some threads.
And I have seen FS posts in the past for the batwing oil pans. Do a search and you should be able to find some threads.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,861
Likes: 4,664
The batwing is, IMHO, a better pan than the LS3 wet sump pan. Especially the later 2pc pan. The 2 pc. pans go for around $250+. The earlier 1pc pans are not as desirable, and go for less. AFAIK, neither style batwing has any advantage over the other style as far as oil control is concerned. FWIW.....
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,577
Likes: 7,254
From: CT
I've seen 2 piece pans go for 400 too.
Folks think the batwings are good for oil control at high lateral Gs such as on the track but without baffles to retain the oil at the pickup it all just flows out to the sides.
The LS2 gives you a lot more space under the car if you're doing projects.
At the end of the day I guess I am left wondering why change it out without a specific need or goal.
Folks think the batwings are good for oil control at high lateral Gs such as on the track but without baffles to retain the oil at the pickup it all just flows out to the sides.
The LS2 gives you a lot more space under the car if you're doing projects.
At the end of the day I guess I am left wondering why change it out without a specific need or goal.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,007
Likes: 723
I think GM has engineered the batwing for people that wanted to race the car for weekend warriors and drive it to work or pick up grocery. Drive it to the track have some fun and go about your business that what these car were designed for. Just follow the manual and you will have no problems. If the batwing was an issue with the problem you stated. They would of had a recall and change the design??? But that's not the case. It was design to hit the track with minimal upgrades but the oil pan was not one of them and go take a ride with the wife.
Yes, it is highly recommended to add an extra 1 quart of oil (bringing the total to approximately 7.5 quarts) in a C5 Corvette for racing or high-performance driving events (HPDE). This practice is recommended by GM to prevent engine oil starvation during high-G cornering. It is also advised to use a catch can to manage potential oil blow-by.
Go out and have some fun. You should worry about the brakes and tires before the oil pan. Just saying. And the forume always refer to the manual and these topics every time this stuff comes up.
Or if it is a problem with the engineers they all should be fired for wasting millions on this design. .
This is GM not me. My IQ is 57 so what do i know.
P.S. just noticed im tuning 57 in 4 days what a coincidence.
Yes i had the little yellow school bus pick me up but they stopped coming to my house because i missed school to many times.
Yes, it is highly recommended to add an extra 1 quart of oil (bringing the total to approximately 7.5 quarts) in a C5 Corvette for racing or high-performance driving events (HPDE). This practice is recommended by GM to prevent engine oil starvation during high-G cornering. It is also advised to use a catch can to manage potential oil blow-by.
Go out and have some fun. You should worry about the brakes and tires before the oil pan. Just saying. And the forume always refer to the manual and these topics every time this stuff comes up.
Or if it is a problem with the engineers they all should be fired for wasting millions on this design. .
This is GM not me. My IQ is 57 so what do i know.
P.S. just noticed im tuning 57 in 4 days what a coincidence.
Yes i had the little yellow school bus pick me up but they stopped coming to my house because i missed school to many times.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 69
Likes: 19
One upside for the two piece Batwing pan is you can add Improved Racing trap doors to the pan for improved oil control and maintaining consistent oil pressure during tracking. You can add these by dropping the bottom portion of the pan. I recommend this mod for track use.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,447
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From: Portland OR
When I replaced my LS1 short block with an LS3, I simply used the LS3 pan.
The headers on my car simply fall to the ground when unbolted. So much nicer than fighting with the batwing.
I drag race my C5 and with the LS3 pan I had to add a quart to keep the oil pressure up at launch.
The headers on my car simply fall to the ground when unbolted. So much nicer than fighting with the batwing.
I drag race my C5 and with the LS3 pan I had to add a quart to keep the oil pressure up at launch.