Stock Oil Pump good enough? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Thebigantmoe · 01-31-2024, 08:15 PM

I've got a 2011 Camaro SS LS3, 6 speed. I'm running with a stage 4 cam, rocker trunnion upgrades, titanium valve springs, ls7 lifters, 476 whp on the dyno and I'm wondering if I go up to using 10w-30, do you think the stock oil pump will be able to handle it? I'm looking for some added protection because I'm in the middle of the second rebuild on the motor after a shattered spring and now scarred lifter rollers. thanks in advance

camguynj · 02-01-2024, 05:22 AM

I would strongly suggest emailing Melling Pumps for his opinion. Post back if you do

CamaroCracka · 02-01-2024, 09:41 AM

The factory pump is actually made by Melling, but it does have a bad habit of getting the relief valve stuck. I put a 10295 in when I had forged rods and pistons put in. I would not necessarily change the pump unless I was already in there. If you are in the middle of a rebuild, put in a 10295 or 10296 depending on what you intend to do with it and how it's built.

As for 10w30, I don't think that is much thicker than 5w30 in Florida. You might be better served with 5w40 or 10w40. I'm pretty sure a lot of guys who track their cars run 10w40 on stock pumps without issue.

vinman · 02-01-2024, 03:50 PM

Just do it, the factory one is known for taking a shit on you

1JEWLDSSRS · 02-02-2024, 09:29 AM

I run the Melling 10295 like cracka does. No issues as of yet, and I am still running 5w30 Mobil 1 for oil. As mentioned above, some of the early model year pumps on the LS3's have failed.

morepowerjoe · 02-02-2024, 11:19 AM

I think the overall best pump to use is the melling 10296 for a little more idle pressure. As for oil I use the VR Racing 10W30 full synthetic

1JEWLDSSRS · 02-05-2024, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morepowerjoe

I think the overall best pump to use is the melling 10296 for a little more idle pressure. As for oil I use the VR Racing 10W30 full synthetic

Mine idles right around 32-35 psi. Warmed up.

daktah · 04-06-2024, 12:19 AM

why does melling so strongly recommend against using an l99 pump in an ls3?

FasNuf · 04-06-2024, 02:55 PM

The 10w in 10w-30 is the cold viscosity, W for winter. The 30 is the viscosity at normal temps so it wont really change anything by going to a different viscosity once the car is warmed up.

I know most have seen this, but if you remove your pan and only if you DO NOT have AFM/DOD lifters, you can remove the pressure relief valve and plug it with an appropriately sized plug, This should help get your pressure above 58psi when needed. see the video link for details.

https://youtu.be/6KI1hQgtEKM?si=x9r-EJmw8FQhBvme

tartagliazl1 · 04-06-2024, 03:39 PM

im still on the stock pump and hot idles at 32-35

0stones0 · 04-06-2024, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FasNuf

The 10w in 10w-30 is the cold viscosity, W for winter. The 30 is the viscosity at normal temps so it wont really change anything by going to a different viscosity once the car is warmed up.

I know most have seen this, but if you remove your pan and only if you DO NOT have AFM/DOD lifters, you can remove the pressure relief valve and plug it with an appropriately sized plug, This should help get your pressure above 58psi when needed. see the video link for details.

https://youtu.be/6KI1hQgtEKM?si=x9r-EJmw8FQhBvme

Appreciate the info sir.
I have the earlier 2010 so, I assume I don’t have the AFM/DOD lifters on my LS3? So far, the pump is doing the job but, hot idle is around 20-25 and I wouldn’t mind more pressure by doing this rather than having to put a new pump in, if that makes sense.

FasNuf · 04-06-2024, 04:37 PM

The PRV in the pan doesn't increase pressure at idle, it was made to relieve pressure once it hits about 58psi so it doesnt over pressure the AFM lifters. Removing the PRV allows the oil pressure to reach the amount that the pump produces instead of dumping the pressure out the PRV. The PRV was also used in pans that never came with AFM/DOD because GM didn't want a bunch of different part number pans to deal with. For instance, my 2014 ZL1 with the LSA engine had the PRV, but the car never had AFM.

0stones0 · 04-06-2024, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FasNuf

The PRV in the pan doesn't increase pressure at idle, it was made to relieve pressure once it hits about 58psi so it doesnt over pressure the AFM lifters. Removing the PRV allows the oil pressure to reach the amount that the pump produces instead of dumping the pressure out the PRV. The PRV was also used in pans that never came with AFM/DOD because GM didn't want a bunch of different part number pans to deal with. For instance, my 2014 ZL1 with the LSA engine had the PRV, but the car never had AFM.

Understood. I’ve read 10psi per 1k of rpm is acceptable. I’m not too worried. My idle pressure has always been like this and doesn’t seem to be getting lower over time.

1JEWLDSSRS · 04-07-2024, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0stones0

Appreciate the info sir.
I have the earlier 2010 so, I assume I don’t have the AFM/DOD lifters on my LS3? So far, the pump is doing the job but, hot idle is around 20-25 and I wouldn’t mind more pressure by doing this rather than having to put a new pump in, if that makes sense.

Your Camaro is a manual, so no AFM/DOD crap... But just remember, the earlier 2010 model year LS3 pumps were prone to failure, some, not all of them.

01-31-2024, 08:15 PM	#1
Thebigantmoe Drives: 2011 Chevy Camaro Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Zephyrhills Posts: 5 View My Garage	Stock Oil Pump good enough? I've got a 2011 Camaro SS LS3, 6 speed. I'm running with a stage 4 cam, rocker trunnion upgrades, titanium valve springs, ls7 lifters, 476 whp on the dyno and I'm wondering if I go up to using 10w-30, do you think the stock oil pump will be able to handle it? I'm looking for some added protection because I'm in the middle of the second rebuild on the motor after a shattered spring and now scarred lifter rollers. thanks in advance

02-01-2024, 09:41 AM	#3
CamaroCracka Drives: 2010 Turbo LS3 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 2,736	The factory pump is actually made by Melling, but it does have a bad habit of getting the relief valve stuck. I put a 10295 in when I had forged rods and pistons put in. I would not necessarily change the pump unless I was already in there. If you are in the middle of a rebuild, put in a 10295 or 10296 depending on what you intend to do with it and how it's built. As for 10w30, I don't think that is much thicker than 5w30 in Florida. You might be better served with 5w40 or 10w40. I'm pretty sure a lot of guys who track their cars run 10w40 on stock pumps without issue. __________________ 2010 SS - On3 kit with downpipe cutout, CTR 78/80, CompCam 239/251 620/632 122+4, E85, Z28 suspension and ZL1 diff with Outlaw axles. Gen6 ZL1/1LE brakes. 2011 Vert - 416/w 230/236 .612/.602 115lsa, 1LE suspension w/32mm rear bar. Z28 diff. ZL1 brakes.

02-01-2024, 03:50 PM	#4
vinman The BBOMG fill-in husband Drives: 2015 2SS/RS 1LE AKA V1LE Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Elmira, NY Posts: 4,458 View My Garage	Just do it, the factory one is known for taking a shit on you __________________ UPSTATE C5 MEMBER Last edited by vinman; 02-02-2024 at 04:11 PM.

02-02-2024, 09:29 AM	#5
1JEWLDSSRS Drives: 2011 SS-RS Join Date: May 2011 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 11,442	I run the Melling 10295 like cracka does. No issues as of yet, and I am still running 5w30 Mobil 1 for oil. As mentioned above, some of the early model year pumps on the LS3's have failed. __________________ TSP STAGE 3 CAM,231/246 @112 LSA 614/641 LIFT, CIRCLE D 5C-4200-4500 CONVERTER,LOD INTAKE.CORSA EXHAUST. DSS 1 PC DS. PEGASUS SOLID CRADLE MOUNTS. 486RWHP/475RWTQ.LOTS MORE.

02-02-2024, 11:19 AM	#6
morepowerjoe Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro l99 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,105	I think the overall best pump to use is the melling 10296 for a little more idle pressure. As for oil I use the VR Racing 10W30 full synthetic __________________ DSS FX Forged Pistons, Eagle ESP L19 Forged Rods, ARP Head and Main Studs, TSP PRC 260 CNC Ported Heads milled .030, Cometic .040 Head Gaskets, GPI SS3 VVT Camshaft, GM Performance Racing Lifters, CHE Trunnions , Molly Pushrods, Melling 10355HV Oil Pump, Cold Air Inductions CAI, Fast LSXR Intake Manifold, Nick Williams 103 TB, TSP 1 7/8" Longtubes with 3" TSP Exhaust, ZL1 Fuel Pump, Mishimoto Radiator, Mishimoto Oil Cooler, Tru Cool 40k Tranny Cooler, 3600 Circle D Converter, Fluid Dynamics Balancer Build Thread https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609817

02-01-2024, 05:22 AM	#2
camguynj Drives: '13 SS/RS LS3 BRM Cammed NPP Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: NJ Posts: 3,812 View My Garage	I would strongly suggest emailing Melling Pumps for his opinion. Post back if you do

04-06-2024, 12:19 AM	#8
daktah Drives: 2013 camaro 2ss 1le Join Date: May 2020 Location: las vegas Posts: 56	why does melling so strongly recommend against using an l99 pump in an ls3? __________________ 2013 Camaro 2SS 1LE w/ RS [Rally Yellow] Stock + Speed Engineering 1 7/8 LTHs w/ TSP HFCs, Roto-Fab CAI, Innovate DLG1/LC2 Dual WBo2, Smoked Wicker Bill, Self Tuned w/ HPTuners

04-06-2024, 02:55 PM	#9
FasNuf Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,617 View My Garage	The 10w in 10w-30 is the cold viscosity, W for winter. The 30 is the viscosity at normal temps so it wont really change anything by going to a different viscosity once the car is warmed up. I know most have seen this, but if you remove your pan and only if you *DO NOT* have AFM/DOD lifters, you can remove the pressure relief valve and plug it with an appropriately sized plug, This should help get your pressure above 58psi when needed. see the video link for details. https://youtu.be/6KI1hQgtEKM?si=x9r-EJmw8FQhBvme

04-06-2024, 03:39 PM	#10
tartagliazl1 Drives: 2013 zl1 vert Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rochester, New york Posts: 956	im still on the stock pump and hot idles at 32-35 __________________ 22% lower/ 2.5 upper/ 2” headers/ cat delete/ x-pipe/ 2 gallon x tank/ 100-3 pump/ fic 850/ dsx aux kit/ 103mm throttle body/ RPM 5” intake/ meth kit/ prometh lid injection/FI interchiller/ 160* stat/ ngk-7/ msd wires/ elite catch can/ tsp cam/ Che trunnions/ ported supercharger/ 1/2” lid spacer/ brick mod/BMR toe and trailing arms/ 751hp 757 tq SAE @17.3lb on a loaded dyno.

04-06-2024, 04:37 PM	#12
FasNuf Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,617 View My Garage	The PRV in the pan doesn't increase pressure at idle, it was made to relieve pressure once it hits about 58psi so it doesnt over pressure the AFM lifters. Removing the PRV allows the oil pressure to reach the amount that the pump produces instead of dumping the pressure out the PRV. The PRV was also used in pans that never came with AFM/DOD because GM didn't want a bunch of different part number pans to deal with. For instance, my 2014 ZL1 with the LSA engine had the PRV, but the car never had AFM. __________________ . . . . https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgN...etl17hA/videos