Katech Oil pump
 

So after thinking everyone was crazy for swapping their pumps that had no issues, that’s exactly what I did. Bought the Katech pump, timing chain and the LME damper and had them all installed at my local dealer which has a very good known Corvette mechanic. I have a late model 2018 build the last few days of 6/18, I had zero issues but plan on keeping this car for a long time. It’s a 2018 ZLE. Original oil pressure never dropped below 28 psi and seamed fine, with the Katech pump I’m seeing much higher pressures. Cold idle is above 40 psi and hot is around 35. The biggest difference I’m seeing is on throttle, 2000 rpm normal driving is 50psi and 3000 rpm is hitting 60psi. It floats between 50 and 60 now with normal driving. I was never close to those pressures before. Another thing I didn’t know was my belt tensioner was leaking I guess they are hydraulic but that was changed under warranty which expires in Aug. I’m glad I did the upgrade, I’ll never know if it would have failed or if it would have been fine but now I’m pretty sure I’m good. I also saved the old parts and they still all look new. The pump removed had a part # stamped on it 7142.

Good stuff! If you don't mind me asking, how much did the dealer charge you for labor?

It wasn’t cheap at least compared to the prices I was seeing on the forums. I supplied all the parts but the mechanic wanted all new bolts and a few gaskets I missed. $3,700. The mechanic sent me videos and pictures during the process and said to stop by when ever I wanted to see it.
Took 1.5 weeks because of the few parts I didn’t supply.

I've always heard around $3k so not too far off.

Dealership here in Texas wanted $4500 to change an oil pump.

I’d rather pay more knowing someone good is working on it. I’m very happy with my mechanic. I was quoted 6k from another private shop with me supplying parts. Since I did the chain and damper parts were over 900 for just those 3.

Pauly1119,

Just curious as to your oil pressures now with the new pump. I am curious to see what the Katech pump runs at idle, cruising and under throttle. I would like to compare to my ‘22’s pressure readings, which compared to my ‘18’s are excellent.

Thanks

JJ

At cold startup I’m seeing slightly above 40 psi, at full temp after driving it home I was slightly above 35 at idle. With my stock pump I would see 40 psi at startup and just at 30 or slightly below at full temp so not a huge difference. The big difference is under throttle. I drove it pretty easy on the way home as I’m not sure if there is any break in period but I was between 50 and 60 psi under throttle between 2 and 3k rpm’s. I would only see those pressures with the old pump when I really got on it. Even the mechanic said he is sold on these katech pumps, he was showing the other techs in the shop how much of a difference it has under throttle. The tech said he doesn’t see this response with the C7 Z06’s either. Hopefully it’s the way it’s supposed to be. I can take some pics or videos when I get a chance.

Pauly1119

Thanks very much for your response. I feel pretty lucky as my stock ‘22 oil pump is pretty much a clone to the numbers you gave. Who knows about material longevity in my stock pump, but the pressure so very much better than my ‘18 was. I never had an actual failure with the ‘18, but the low oil pressure worried me enough that I sold the car.

FWIW, my ‘22 also runs much better that the ‘18 did.

Good luck with your situation!

JJ

@pauly1119, I totally sympathize with your situation. I'm right there with you. If the pump doesn't fail under warranty, I'm certainly taking it in. Obviously, I'm taking a chance that if the pump fails without warning, I'm out an engine. Luckily with only 1400 miles on it, I think it's still early. I will say that after an oil change the oil pressure went up to 40 at cold idle and settled down to 32 at warm idle, which is a bit higher. I did hit 55-60 cruising. I was glad to see it at 32 at warm idle though. That is reassuring for now... Please post videos and/or pictures, I think we are all interested who are in this situation.

What was the pressure on your 18 at warm idle? What is it with your new one

Yes Ill post some pictures but I don’t get home from work until Monday morning. My car only has 7k miles but my warranty is up in August and I was tired of thinking about it to be honest. Heck I paid the same amount for PPF protection and this is probably the best thing I can do for the engine. I was already stupid with excessive oil changes and sending my oil for analysis.

I took it out today for a long cruise nice hot Florida afternoon. These are just light driving around pressures. The pressure would go slightly higher at first and then settle in under throttle. I stepped on it just once.

Thank you for the pictures. It’s got to be a relief to be free from the constant stress. You want to take it to it’s limit without worrying.