[Rlhay2]

It lasted 21900 miles. I was beginning to think I was one of the lucky ones.

The night prior I had the privilege of showing a 5.0 Mustang that this particular ZL1 is not to be trifled with.

And the very next morning the dash was showing "low power mode" and the oil pressure was dropping to 20psi at idle.

Picked it up today and the only change was the Katech oil pump. The oil pressure would not drop below ~37psi. At moderate throttle it would easily show 50psi on the dash. It was very reassuring to see oil pressures that were just not possible with the OEM oil pump.

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones that avoid engine damage! I hope that Katech unit brings you some much needed piece of mind.

[george]

Originally Posted by Rlhay2

It lasted 21900 miles. I was beginning to think I was one of the lucky ones.

The night prior I had the privilege of showing a 5.0 Mustang that this particular ZL1 is not to be trifled with.

And the very next morning the dash was showing "low power mode" and the oil pressure was dropping to 20psi at idle.

Picked it up today and the only change was the Katech oil pump. The oil pressure would not drop below ~37psi. At moderate throttle it would easily show 50psi on the dash. It was very reassuring to see oil pressures that were just not possible with the OEM oil pump.

Great job picking up on the phase 1 failure data. How long did it take to get it repaired and what was the cost? I imagine you're warranty was gone.

[george]

Originally Posted by SOCAL.M6.ZLE

Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones that avoid engine damage! I hope that Katech unit brings you some much needed piece of mind.

This is truly class action worthy. It's just a matter of time and use before these things go. I wonder if a lawyer would pick this up.

[nighttowl]

Originally Posted by Rlhay2

the oil pressure was dropping to 20psi at idle.

This is eactly what mine did before failure a few thousand miles later.

[Vtor_ZL1]

Sucks to see these oil pumps drop like flies! I had 2 fail so far, GM extended warranty on engine to 7 years. If it holds on that long, i have katech on my to do list shortly before the problem becomes my problem.


GM has history of revising parts and not changing part numbers, so we never know what revision we're getting or what changes were made along the way.


Remember those bad ignition cylinders from few years ago? Yeah, they quietly revise parts to bury the problems.

[Rlhay2]

Originally Posted by Rlhay2

the oil pressure was dropping to 20psi at idle.

For those reading this is the 1st clue that the OEM pump is about to die! My repair was paid for out of pocket because I did not want the faulty pump to be replaced with another faulty pump. My local dealers will not install aftermarket parts.

That 14 hours of labor was costly but the peace of mind is invaluable! It is incredibly reassuring seeing the needle come down from the 50 psi range for oil pressure.

[george]

Originally Posted by Rlhay2

For those reading this is the 1st clue that the OEM pump is about to die! My repair was paid for out of pocket because I did not want the faulty pump to be replaced with another faulty pump. My local dealers will not install aftermarket parts.

That 14 hours of labor was costly but the peace of mind is invaluable! It is incredibly reassuring seeing the needle come down from the 50 psi range for oil pressure.

I’m sorry you had this happen to you, but I’m glad you caught it. It would be a shame to have that car with a blown engine. @Nightowl is facing a real sad situation that’s completely a warranty issue. Did you take your car to a speed shop or a private shop? Did they have evidence that it was internally cracked? I also bought a Katech pump and waiting for warranty to expire to replace it. I still have 3 years on my GM warranty and my ZL1 only has 1400 miles on it.

[Curr]

Super great job on being aware and catching 'phase 1'.

Best of luck moving forward.

[Rlhay2]

Admittedly, I got lucky! I was 3 miles from home and my return route did not involve any stop lights or stop signs. The piece of mind not having to worry any longer is invaluable!

Originally Posted by george

Did you take your car to a speed shop or a private shop? Did they have evidence that it was internally cracked?

I had the work completed at AMP https://advancedmodernperformance.com/
They have done more cam swaps/oil pump removals than most dealers will ever complete!

The "pumping rings" of the pump cracked in the very same places they have all failed!!
I could post a picture but a Google or forum search will provide the same information.

At 1400 miles, there is not much pressure to make the swap. But as the Katech swap is only 30 minutes and a few bolts shy of a camshaft swap, I think everyone considering a cam change should add $500 to that budget and get the Katech oil pump!!

I hit 70psi this afternoon merging on the highway!!
I've been watching that oil gauge every time I have driven the car for the past 2 years!
It saved me an engine but it's nice to not HAVE TO keep any eye on it any longer.

After 7 years, I am falling in love with driving this car a 2nd time!

[ZLRob]

Originally Posted by Rlhay2

Admittedly, I got lucky! I was 3 miles from home and my return route did not involve any stop lights or stop signs. The piece of mind not having to worry any longer is invaluable!




I had the work completed at AMP https://advancedmodernperformance.com/
They have done more cam swaps/oil pump removals than most dealers will ever complete!

The "pumping rings" of the pump cracked in the very same places they have all failed!!
I could post a picture but a Google or forum search will provide the same information.

At 1400 miles, there is not much pressure to make the swap. But as the Katech swap is only 30 minutes and a few bolts shy of a camshaft swap, I think everyone considering a cam change should add $500 to that budget and get the Katech oil pump!!

I hit 70psi this afternoon merging on the highway!!
I've been watching that oil gauge every time I have driven the car for the past 2 years!
It saved me an engine but it's nice to not HAVE TO keep any eye on it any longer.

After 7 years, I am falling in love with driving this car a 2nd time!

I agree. Rarely do I take a look at mine anymore, I see pressures of 40 and 70 at idle and wide open throttle on a full hot run ever since doing my build. Beautiful numbers and peace of mind.