A well-maintained oil system is essential for a race car's health and success. This guide explores the key components that make up a high-performance oil system, including the oil pump, filter, pan, pressure relief valve, pickup tube, galleries, and oil coolers. By understanding the function and importance of each component, race car drivers, builders, and enthusiasts can make informed decisions to optimize their engine's lubrication and cooling systems.

Main Oil System Parts

Though an oil system includes several parts to keep it running smoothly, there are some that can make or break the performance and longevity of your engine. Here are six oil system components that keep your car performing at its peak lap after lap.

1 | Oil Pump

The pump is an essential part of a race car's oil system, responsible for pressurizing and circulating oil throughout the engine. This constant flow of oil properly lubricates vital components like the crankshaft, camshaft, connecting rods, and bearings, reducing friction and preventing excessive wear. The specific design and features of a race car oil pump can vary depending on the engine type, power output, and racing discipline.

2 | Oil Filter

An oil filter acts as a barrier, trapping contaminants and debris such as dirt, metal shavings, and carbon particles that can circulate in the oil as it passes through the system. By removing harmful substances, the filter helps maintain the cleanliness and lubricating properties of the oil, reducing wear and enhancing engine efficiency. Race car owners and builders can help protect their engines by selecting a quality oil filter from top industry names including Moroso Performance and Canton Racing Products.

3 | Oil Pan (Sump)

Also known as the sump, the oil pan sits just below the crankcase in the engine. It serves as a reservoir, storing oil when the car isn’t running and collecting it as it drains from the engine components. Oil pans are often made from lightweight yet durable materials like aluminum to reduce weight and improve engine capabilities. Race car oil pans can generally hold a larger volume of oil compared to street car pans for adequate lubrication during competition.

4 | Oil Pressure Relief Valve

This safety device in the oil system helps regulate oil pressure, stopping it from exceeding recommended limits that could potentially damage seals and other engine components. When oil pressure rises above a predetermined threshold, the relief valve opens, allowing excess oil to bypass the filter and return to the oil pan. Race car oil pressure relief valves are typically designed to operate at higher pressure settings compared to street car valves, reflecting the increased demands placed on the engine during racing.

5 | Oil Pickup Tube

The oil pickup tube connects the oil pan to the pump. It extends into the sump where it draws oil from the reservoir and delivers it to the pump for pressurization and distribution throughout the engine. Race car oil pick up tubes are designed to support a continual flow of oil to the engine—especially during intense driving conditions on the track.

6 | Oil Galleries

Oil galleries are simply a network of internal passages within the engine block and cylinder heads. These passages are designed to distribute pressurized oil to the various moving components, such as bearings, camshafts, and piston pins. Race car oil galleries are often optimized for high-flow and low-restriction to provide the right amount of lubrication under extreme conditions.

BSC Components Lightweight Aluminum Oil Coolers

An oil cooler, similar in appearance to a radiator, serves a distinct purpose: dissipating excess heat from the engine oil. Given oil's critical role in protecting various engine components, this component is paramount in a race car. Oil coolers are available in diverse configurations to accommodate various placement options within your race car, such as front-mount, wing-mount, or deck-mount. Renowned racing brand BSC Components manufactures high-quality, lightweight aluminum oil coolers specifically designed for Dirt Late Models, N.E. Modifieds, and other racing applications.

BSC Dirt Late Model Oil Coolers

We offer a range of high-performance BSC oil coolers tailored specifically for Dirt Late Model race cars. These coolers are available in various configurations to suit your unique setup, including:

10, 13, and 25-row coolers. These options provide varying levels of cooling capacity to match different engine demands.

Double-pass deck-mount coolers. These oil coolers offer heat dissipation and are designed for easy installation on the engine's deck. They come with a variety of port and fitting configurations, including:

• Two 7/8-14 TPI (O-ring) ports: Suitable for standard hose connections.
• Two 1-inch flanges for mounting, two -12AN fittings, and one 1/2-inch NPT port: Versatile configuration for various plumbing setups.
• Two -12AN fittings, one 1/2-inch NPT port, and a -10AN wash port: Provides additional flexibility for custom installations and cooling needs.

BSC N.E. Modified Oil Coolers

BSC offers a range of high-performance oil coolers specifically designed for N.E. Modified race cars. These coolers are available in various configurations to suit your car setup, including:

13, 16, 19, and 34-row coolers. These options provide varying levels of cooling capacity to match different engine demands.

Double-pass deck-mount coolers. These coolers offer efficient heat dissipation and are designed for easy installation on the engine's deck. They come with a variety of port and fitting configurations, including:

• Two 1-inch flanges for mounting, two -12AN fittings, and one 1/2-inch NPT port: Versatile configuration for various plumbing setups.
• Two 7/8-14 TPI (O-ring) ports: Suitable for standard hose connections.
• Two -12AN fittings, one 1/2-inch NPT port, and a -10AN wash port: Provides additional flexibility for custom installations and cooling needs.
• Two -12AN fittings, two 1/2-inch NPT ports, and a -10AN wash port: Offers extra plumbing options for complex cooling systems.

Remember to use high-quality engine oils and additives to keep components lubricated and running smoothly. Explore our helpful guide to learn more about the various types of racing oil to get the best formula to support your car on race day.