Removing the sump on a VZ V8 (LS1) - Without removing the engine - Is that possible?

[mcsquirt]

My VZ LS1 V8 is in need of a little more loving (like I need to fit a new sump gasket - now!).

A few years back I replaced the original Oil pump & "O" ring -and fitted a new Melling 10296 pump - Did that by taking off the front engine cover and dropping the sump in situ about 40mm.
In this position you cannot get a new gasket fitted. The pickup tube stops you sliding in a new gasket.
The new oil pump does a great job, and I never get less than 225kpa (~35 psi) even on the hottest days / idling / bumper to bumper.
At peak pressure I get up to 70 psi of oil pressure (Cold oil & rpm > 3000)

Unfortunately with the higher oil pressures (original gasket reused) - the original sump gasket has continued to leak and that leaking is now getting worse. (about 500ml every 5000km)

The question(s) to the forum is:

-- Is it possible to hold the LS1 engine up & in place in the engine bay (with an engine crane or using a steel brace across the strut towers) and drop the K frame off completely so I can get the sump completely off to replace the sump gasket. or

-- Is it better to lift the whole engine out of the car to do this job.

In any case with 300K on the clock - the struts are going to be replaced (engine mounts too) and I will overhaul the steering rack as part of this little job.

Would like some feedback and advice (quick & safe way) from the "been there - done that" part of the community.

Thanks,

McSquirt

[whitels1ss]

Yeah, can be done but depends on your ability & workshop tools availability.

Without using a hoist, doing the work at home
I would be inclined to remove the engine to do the job rather than using an engine crane
to support the engine while the car sitting on jack stands
then crawling underneath to remove the cross member & steering
& taking the sump off with the engine hanging above me.

I just reckon that's much safer & easier.

[mcsquirt]

We have a Molnar two post hoist and full workshop facilities.
Lifting the car up to 1.8m off the floor is not a problem.

The welding up of jigs / fixtures / braces (if required) - also not a problem!

[whitels1ss]

In that case I would do it in the car then.

[Micks]

My VZ LS1 V8 is in need of a little more loving (like I need to fit a new sump gasket - now!).

A few years back I replaced the original Oil pump & "O" ring -and fitted a new Melling 10296 pump - Did that by taking off the front engine cover and dropping the sump in situ about 40mm.
In this position you cannot get a new gasket fitted. The pickup tube stops you sliding in a new gasket.
The new oil pump does a great job, and I never get less than 225kpa (~35 psi) even on the hottest days / idling / bumper to bumper.
At peak pressure I get up to 70 psi of oil pressure (Cold oil & rpm > 3000)

Unfortunately with the higher oil pressures (original gasket reused) - the original sump gasket has continued to leak and that leaking is now getting worse. (about 500ml every 5000km)

The question(s) to the forum is:

-- Is it possible to hold the LS1 engine up & in place in the engine bay (with an engine crane or using a steel brace across the strut towers) and drop the K frame off completely so I can get the sump completely off to replace the sump gasket. or

-- Is it better to lift the whole engine out of the car to do this job.

In any case with 300K on the clock - the struts are going to be replaced (engine mounts too) and I will overhaul the steering rack as part of this little job.

Would like some feedback and advice (quick & safe way) from the "been there - done that" part of the community.

Thanks,

McSquirt

Yes that's exactly how it is done if removing Kframe with engine still in place.

[feistl]

I'd recommend pulling the engine and doing a basic overhaul... rear main seal, clutch (if manual)... also a really good opportunity to do a cam swap, new lifters etc.

of course it all depends on budget and how long you're planning on keeping the car. Just nothing more frustrating than doing the work (sump gasket) only to have the rear main seal start leaking shortly. Also, look at the proper process for changing the gasket, there is some tricks to making sure it doesn't leak in future.

cheers

[whitels1ss]

I'd recommend pulling the engine and doing a basic overhaul... rear main seal, clutch (if manual)... also a really good opportunity to do a cam swap, new lifters etc.

of course it all depends on budget and how long you're planning on keeping the car. Just nothing more frustrating than doing the work (sump gasket) only to have the rear main seal start leaking shortly. Also, look at the proper process for changing the gasket, there is some tricks to making sure it doesn't leak in future.

cheers

Yeah, depends on budget but where do you start, where do you finish with a 300,000km drive train as stated by OP?

If it's just a slight leak on something like that I would be inclined to just fix the sump gasket to stop it leaking
rather than ending up fully rebuilding a 300,000km engine & drive train which could end up being a lot of work & very expensive.