December 11, 2024
When upgrading or modifying a vehicle, one of the most critical components to consider is the oil pan. This might seem like a minor detail. But for vehicles using the Subaru EJ series engine, an oil pan plays a significant role in ensuring the engine’s longevity and performance.
Understanding the key differences between standard and high-capacity oil pans can guide your decision. Also, it can significantly improve your vehicle’s performance.
An oil pan is an essential part of an engine’s lubrication system. It’s located at the bottom of the engine block and serves as a reservoir for engine oil. This oil circulates through the engine, lubricating critical components and helping to cool them.
In standard setups, the oil pan is typically designed for mass-market vehicles and everyday driving conditions. However, once a vehicle is modified, especially with a more powerful engine like the Subaru EJ series, the demands on the oil pan change drastically. That’s where high-capacity oil pans come into play.
Oil capacity directly influences engine performance and longevity. A larger oil pan provides more oil for the engine, which has several benefits. It can:
A standard oil pan is designed for stock engines under typical driving conditions. For the Subaru EJ series, the stock oil pan has a capacity of 4.2 litres and a height of 168 mm.
While this setup works perfectly well for daily commutes or moderate driving, it might not be ideal for modified or high-performance engines.
Here are some common characteristics of a standard oil pan:
While the stock oil pan gets the job done for unmodified engines, vehicle conversions or engines pushed beyond factory limits require something more robust.
Now, let’s explore the high-capacity oil pans, specifically designed for the Subaru EJ series engines. These pans are engineered to support modified vehicles and maintain consistent oil pressure under heavy loads.
A high-capacity oil pan significantly increases the amount of oil that can be stored and circulated through the engine. For instance:
Option 1: Increased Ground Clearance High Capacity Oil Pan holds 5.4 litres of oil. This increase from the standard 4.2 litres provides an extra layer of security, ensuring the engine remains well-lubricated even in extreme conditions.
Option 2: Ultra High Capacity Oil Pan holds 7.1 litres of oil, which is essential for older, high-mileage engines prone to oil consumption. This option helps prevent oil starvation, a common issue in older engines.
One of the significant benefits of upgrading to a high-capacity oil pan is improved ground clearance. In vehicle conversions, especially with lowered vehicles or off-road setups, ground clearance is vital.
The Increased Ground Clearance Oil Pan has a height of 110 mm, while the Ultra High Capacity Oil Pan stands at 147 mm. They both offer more clearance than the stock 168 mm in height.
High-capacity oil pans often have advanced features to enhance engine cooling and durability. For example, the Specialised Parts oil pans include:
While high-capacity oil pans offer numerous advantages, they aren’t always necessary for every vehicle. Here are some situations where upgrading to a high-capacity oil pan makes the most sense:
At Specialised Parts, we are proud to be a leading manufacturer of VW & Subaru conversion auto parts. Our high-quality products, such as oil pressure kits and high-capacity oil pans, are designed for vehicle enthusiasts looking to optimize performance.
Contact us today to learn more about our products and how they can benefit your vehicle.