Expert: Dan Liddy - 7/20/2005

Question
I'm doing SCCA (again, after 35 years), with a 944, non-turbo.  I am working on a dry sump oil system.  Do you have any idea where to get an electric oil pump as the scavage pump?  Any advise you have on the dry sump system would be appreciated.  Thank you for your time, Hank

Answer
Hello hank:

My first question would be 'why' an electric scavenge pump.  Most dry sump systems include the scavenge and pressure pumps in a combination unit that is driven by a common shaft.   The engine builder can decide how much scavenging he wants, and how much oil volume from the pressure side, and order it all in a package.  An electricly driven pump would seem to introduce another point for potential failure. I don't think I would do it myself.

I looked at Pegasus Auto Racing's webpage, and did a search for 'Porsche' without any real results.  You could also try Baker Mfg. , inquire with Brumos Porsche in Jacksonville, Florida , contact Irv Hoerr Racing somewhere out west , Iowa I think, I'm afraid I don't have much info immediately available.

I do have a neighbor that's a big Porsche person, I"ll ask him in the morning, if I find anything else out, I'll let you know further.

Good luck,

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida

Continuing:

Good morining:

Both my neighbor who is a Porsche fanatic, and myself agree that the 944 is not a real good choice for a race car effort. They are both heavy and slow, and pricey to boot.   If you're devoted to Porsche, and already own the car, go for it, but take your wallet.  This of course, assumes we are not dicsussing a tube frame GT car.  

That said, we also agreed that neither of us had ever heard of an electric scavenge pump. My comment above about the additional falability was one reason, but additionally, you gain nothing. Any horsepower you save by running it electrically will be used up by your alternator in the driving of it, and the electrical system isn't nearly as efficient as a direct drive.

Finally, he gave me the names of two suppliers you might wish to contact. Both specialize in Porsche stuff.

Performance Products. 1-899-423-317, and,
Mid America Motorworks:  1-800-500-1500  (hard to believe that number but it's true !)

Again, I wish you the very best luck.

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida