How to Choose the Best Oil Pan for Your BRZ - Tuner Tips

How to Choose the Best Oil Pan for Your BRZ

If you own a Subaru BRZ, choosing the right oil pan is crucial for optimal engine performance and longevity. The oil pan holds the engine's oil supply and regulates oil pressure. Upgrading to an aftermarket oil pan brings noticeable improvements over the stock oil pan.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss how to select the ideal oil pan for your BRZ by considering key factors like build material, oil capacity, and design.

Oil Pan Basics

The oil pan bolts to the bottom of the engine block and serves a few core functions:

• Holds engine oil - supplies a reservoir for oil to continuously lubricate engine components
• Regulates oil pressure - manages the distribution of oil throughout the engine
• Cools oil - allows air to pass underneath to cool oil as it circulates

Upgrading to an aftermarket oil pan brings performance benefits like:

• Increased oil capacity - holds more oil to resist overheating and oil starvation
• Improved cooling - promotes better air circulation to reduce oil temperatures
• Reduced windage - aerodynamic designs prevent oil churning at high RPMs
• Added ground clearance - low-profile designs increase space between the oil pan and road

Oil Pan Materials

Oil pans are commonly constructed from either aluminum or steel. Each material has its pros and cons:

Aluminum Oil Pans

• Lightweight - reduces overall engine weight for better acceleration and fuel economy
• Superior cooling - aluminum dissipates heat faster than steel
• Lower oil temperatures - keeps oil viscosity optimal and prevents coking
• Prone to damage - susceptible to dents and punctures from road debris

Steel Oil Pans

• Durable - withstands impacts without damage
• Rigid - resists warping and deformation under high heat
• Magnetic - contains iron filings from normal engine wear
• Heavier - adds weight which can hinder performance

Oil Pan Design

Carefully examine the oil pan's design to evaluate how it will perform:

• Capacity - larger capacity equals better cooling and reduced risk of starvation. Look for 6-8 quart pans.
• Baffling - baffles prevent oil from shifting during cornering and braking. Multiple baffles are best.
• Windage tray - a perforated tray prevents oil frothing at high RPMs for stable pressure.
• Drain plug - should use a magnetic plug to capture metal particles.
• Profile - low profile increases ground clearance and aerodynamics.

Top Oil Pan Picks for the BRZ

Based on key criteria for materials, design, and performance, here are my top recommendations for upgrading your BRZ's oil pan:

Mishimoto Baffle Oil Pan

Constructed from strong, sand-cast aluminum, Mishimoto's oil pan contains a three-stage baffle design for excellent oil control. The low-profile pan combined with the included oil scraper maximizes ground clearance for the lowest BRZs. An 8 quart capacity and magnetic drain plug ticks all the boxes.

AMS Alpha Series Oil Pan

This robust dry-sump compatible pan from AMS is CNC machined from billet 6061 aluminum for lightness and strength. Its 7-quart capacity, baffle system, and oil separating plate significantly reduce oil starvation and foaming. The magnetic sump plug traps metal debris.

Cusco Oil Pan

Japanese tuner Cusco is renowned for their BRZ/FR-S parts, including this special 7-quart oil pan. TIG-welded from 1.2mm steel, it holds 50% more oil than stock. An anti-surge baffle, integrated windage tray, and low-profile design optimize performance and clearance.

Key Installation Tips

When installing your new oil pan, follow these tips to avoid issues:

• Use a torque wrench set to factory specs for all bolts
• Clean all sealing surfaces thoroughly before applying gaskets
• Check for clearance between the pan and crossmembers
• Use OEM gaskets or quality aftermarket gaskets
• Watch for leaks after initial startup and top off oil if needed

Oil Pan Maintenance

To maximize the lifespan of your high performance oil pan:

• Frequently inspect for leaks or damage
• Apply a zinc primer coating if the bare aluminum is exposed
• Carefully jack up the car if you bottom out to avoid crushing the pan
• Check the drain plug and gasket during each oil change
• Torque the drain plug to factory specs when reinstalling

Get the Most Out of Your BRZ with a Tuned Oil Pan

Upgrading the oil pan is one of the best ways to unleash the true potential of your BRZ. With a high capacity aluminum or steel pan designed for your Subaru, you’ll gain increased oil control, cooler temperatures, and extended engine life. Paired with a magnetic drain plug and routine maintenance, your BRZ will stay lubricated and running smoothly on the road or track.

FAQs

Why should I upgrade my BRZ's oil pan?

Upgrading to an aftermarket oil pan brings noticeable benefits like increased oil capacity for better cooling and lubrication, improved oil control from baffles and windage trays, and lower oil temperatures. A high-performance pan also adds ground clearance and engine protection.

What oil pan capacity do I need?

Look for oil pans with a 6-8 quart capacity, around 50% more than the stock 4-5 quart pans. The extra capacity resists oil starvation at high RPMs and provides better cooling.

Should I choose an aluminum or steel oil pan?

Aluminum pans are lighter weight but more prone to dents, while steel pans are heavier but more durable. Many enthusiasts choose lightweight aluminum for the cooling benefits and strength of billet construction.

What maintenance does an aftermarket oil pan need?

Inspect often for leaks and damage. Repair any scrapes in the aluminum with a zinc primer. Use a torque wrench and quality gaskets during installation. Check the drain plug regularly and replace if needed.

Will an aftermarket oil pan void my warranty?

Modifications like oil pans typically don't void the overall factory powertrain warranty, but may void coverage for related issues. Check with your dealer to understand any warranty limitations.