Moroso’s New Tri-Lobe/Five Stage Dry-Sump Pump And Why You Need One

When talking about OEM engines, it’s no secret that they mostly rely on internal wet-sump oil systems. There are a few vehicles on the market using dry-sump systems at the OEM level, but these are the exception, not the rule. Wet-sump systems are very economical in a street application, where a typical dry-sump system will cost about $3,000. A wet-sump system also has an added advantage of fewer parts and less weight. “Packaging ranks right up there with customer requests, and a wet-sump system can be contained within the oil pan,” says Thor Schroeder, marketing manager for Moroso Performance Products.

When it comes to high-performance racing engines, unless the rules dictate the use of a wet-sump lubrication system, race teams typically migrate to the dry-sump-type system. This is especially true in Late Model and Sprint Car classes where engine speed pushes the boundaries of a wet-sump oiling system.  These teams often have no choice but to convert to a dry-sump system to prevent internal engine damage.

Recently, we had the opportunity to talk to Schroeder, to learn a little more about how dry-sump pumps work, and what advantages Moroso’s new Tri-Lobe/Five Stage Dry Sump Pump offer in performance for dirt track racers.

dry sump

What Are The Advantages Of A Dry-Sump System?

Simply by installing an external reservoir, the lubrication system will experience an increase in oil capacity. “While converting to a dry-sump oil system can definitely be a big commitment from an economic-investment standpoint, the end result is a prime example of one of you truly get what you pay for and, if implemented properly, will pay for itself in the long run,” says Schroeder. In short, a dry-sump system is the safest and most dependable engine lubrication system available today. “It’s the most dependable way to save your expensive engine from oil starvation,” he adds.

Oil capacity is not the only area where the engine can benefit from a dry-sump system. “Horsepower gains are maximized because there is virtually no oil in the pan and no internal oil pump, which then allows the windage tray or screen to actually run the full length of the oil pan,” Schroeder explains. 

Enhanced engine protection and the freeing up of horsepower are the major advantages. But others, including remotely mounted oil tanks for ease of maintenance and increased capacity, the ability to add oil coolers as needed, and more consistent oil pressure are big bonuses.

A dry-sump oiling system is the safest and most dependable engine lubrication system available today. – Thor Schroeder

“There is improved oil and vapor scavenging, and an oil pump you can more easily inspect as the belt or chain is run externally off of the crankshaft,” Schroeder adds. A dry-sump system also allows for the use of a very shallow oil pan because the pan no longer has to function as a sump.

What Is A Stage?

One of the terms used to describe the different dry-sump oil pumps on the market is differentiated by the number of “stages” the pump employs. According to Schroeder, “A ‘stage’ of a dry-sump oil pump is the section of a pump that pulls oil vapor out of the crankcase. Additional ports and scavenge sections can be implemented in a multi-stage setup to pull air and oil out of the valve covers and even the lifter valley.”

Pulling air and oil vapor out of the engine reduces air resistance [windage] inside the crankcase. This is how the dry-sump system frees horsepower.

“This is another advantage because the oil vapor siphoned out of the crankcase by the suction pump is then routed back into the externally mounted reservoir tank,” says Schroeder. “Within the tank, the air and oil are separated and the liquid oil is collected at the bottom so that it can be fed back to the externally-mounted gear or belt-driven oil pump.” 

dry sump

The tank’s primary job is to provide a constant supply of oil so the pump doesn’t run dry. The larger oil capacity provided by the external tank also helps keep the oil temperature lower.

Moroso’s new Tri-Lobe Five-Stage Dry Sump Pump (Part #22367) is tailor-made for racing. Schroeder claims this pump “is one of the highest performing dry-sump pumps we have ever offered.”

Features And Benefits Of Moroso’s Tri-Lobe Five-Stage Dry Sump Pump

The Tri-lobe 1.700-inch scavenge sections feature individual timing gears to ensure proper clearance at the highest RPM. The pump has a 1.200-inch spur gear pressure section based on Moroso’s billet wet-sump pump design. The pump weighs almost half of typical gerotor pumps and takes up to 40-percent less power to drive.

Additionally, the pump has a pressure adjustment knob and includes three pressure-range springs. The unit features a rear 3/8-inch-hex fuel pump drive with a 1:1 ratio that accepts the popular 1.450-inch ID, three-bolt, fuel pump swivel clamps. The pump also includes these replaceable fittings: -12AN inlet and -12AN outlet on the pressure section, -12AN scavenge inlets, and -16AN return fitting.

Additional Features:

  • Spur gear pressure section based on Moroso’s billet wet-sump pump design.
  • Variable spring rates optimize oil pressure for smooth, reliable pressure readings.
  • Saves weight and makes big crankcase vacuum.
  • Pump weights almost half that of gerotor pumps, and takes up to 40-percent less power to drive.
  • Includes all necessary fittings.

Why Moroso Stands Out

When it comes to aftermarket manufacturers, customer support can be hit or miss, possibly leaving you stranded. Whether it’s due to a company’s small size, a lack of customer service experience, or just a lack of empathy — it’s still far too common. So when we work with a manufacturer like Moroso, it’s hard to not take notice of its responsive and knowledgable support team.

“We also offer rebuild services on all of the pumps that we sell. We commonly have pumps come back for service to fix damage after a crash or catastrophic engine failure,” explains Schroeder. “Since the Tri-Lobe design is so versatile, we have gotten back pumps from customers who wanted to incorporate a fuel pump drive to the back of the housing, or even add or remove stages to adapt to a new build or racing class.” 

There’s little doubt that almost every dirt track race car can benefit from a dry-sump lubrication system. The clearance offered by a dry-sump pan, to the superior pump and return capabilities, along with the horsepower gains makes these systems worth the initial expense. Moroso’s new Tri-Lobe/Five Stage Dry Sump Pump would be the highlight of any dirt track race car’s dry-sump lubrication system. 

For more information on Moroso’s new Tri-Lobe/Five Stage Dry Sump Pump or other products from Moroso, visit them online at Moroso Performance Products.

Article Sources

About the author

Bobby Kimbrough

Bobby grew up in the heart of Illinois, becoming an avid dirt track race fan which has developed into a life long passion. Taking a break from the Midwest dirt tracks to fight evil doers in the world, he completed a full 21 year career in the Marine Corps.
Read My Articles

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