Dry Sump Vs. Wet Sump: Which Is Right for You?

Lubrication systems play an important role in keeping your vehicle’s engine oil moving. But have you ever wondered how it does this, or what the difference is between a dry and wet sump oil system? Today, we’re diving into what makes these different types of oil systems work and which one you should consider using for your vehicle.

Oil Systems Explained

Your vehicle’s oil system is an integral part of the engine. Oil systems in general take the oil from the sump through a pickup tube or pickup feed, pass it through the oil filter, and then push it through to the engine. Afterwards, the oil returns to the sump, which is bolted to the bottom of the engine and serves to defoam and cool the heated oil. But let’s look at the differences between a dry sump oil system and a wet sump oil system.

Wet Sump

A wet sump oil system is fairly easy to explain. Oil flows down from the engine onto the sump, also called an oil pan or oil tray, where it joins the rest of the engine oil that isn’t running through the system. There, it cools down a bit while waiting for the oil pump to circulate it. The oil pump constantly circulates oil through the system, passing it through the oil filter and back into the engine through the system’s lubrication points. The system is called a wet sump oil system because the oil stays in the sump while awaiting circulation.

Dry Sump

Dry sump oil systems have more components than wet sump systems. If your vehicle has a dry sump system, it also has an oil reservoir. When the oil isn’t being circulated by the oil pump, it accumulates in the reservoir instead of the oil pan. The oil that falls into the sump is typically emptied into the reservoir right away, which is why it’s called a dry sump system. This allows dry sump systems to have a shallower oil pan than wet sump systems. This type of system also occasionally has more than one pickup feed to draw oil out of the sump.

To account for the addition of an oil reservoir, dry sump systems have two oil pumps, one to move the oil from the sump to the reservoir and another to move oil from the reservoir to the oil filter. After passing the filter, the oil circulates through the engine and eventually returns to the sump.

Wet Sump Vs. Dry Sump Comparison

Dry and wet sump systems have their own benefits and drawbacks, which you need to know if you’re wondering which to pick for your vehicle.

Wet Sump Benefits and Drawbacks

The nice thing about wet sump systems is that they’re much easier and cheaper to maintain due to their simplicity. The wet sump system is usually a stock-type system, and parts are regular parts for the vehicle. They aren’t modified aftermarket parts or systems. They’re more common than dry sump systems, which makes finding parts and services much easier as well. Wet sump systems are also lighter and require less horizontal space, which makes them perfect for the everyday vehicle. These vehicles might have lower ground clearance though because the sump needs to be tall enough to accommodate all the oil in the system.

Unfortunately, while cornering, wet sumps are more prone to letting the engine run dry as the oil slides to one side of the sump, away from the pickup tube. In this instance, the tube will pick up air instead of oil, circulating air into the engine and risking oil starvation. One way to improve this is to get a larger capacity oil pan. If you aren’t taking long, hard corners though, you likely won’t need to worry about this.

Get a larger capacity oil pan to lessen the risk of wet sump cornering causing your engine to run dry.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Wet sump oil systems also have lower oil capacities than dry sump systems, which means they don’t cool engines as efficiently. This isn’t an issue in most vehicles, but it can cause problems if you plan to race your vehicle around a track.

Dry Sump Benefits and Drawbacks

Thanks to their shallower oil pans, dry sump systems allow for lower engines. This in turn means a lower center of gravity, which contributes to the vehicle feeling more stable on the road.

Dry sump systems also give you more flexibility when it comes to how much oil is in the engine. Because a majority of the oil is in an external reservoir, you don’t have to install a larger oil pan if you want more oil in your engine for better engine cooling, only a larger reservoir. Unlike the sump, which is affixed to the bottom of the engine, you can relocate an oil reservoir if you need to distribute weight through for better performance.The increased oil capacity naturally helps with engine performance and longevity.

One of main benefits of a dry sump though is that it keeps the engine from running dry while cornering. The oil reservoir feeds oil into the engine even if the pickup tubes aren’t able to draw oil from the sump.

The drawbacks of a dry sump system include its price and complexity. Dry sump systems have more parts you have to maintain, and they’re more expensive to set up as well. The extra pumps also add more noise. Though they help distribute the weight and hold more oil, the system itself needs more space overall under the hood.

Choosing the Right Oil System

When it comes to wet vs. dry sumps, you need to decide if you’re after convenience or performance. The thing about oil systems is that if you’re running an everyday vehicle on everyday tasks, whatever’s in the vehicle will easily get the job done. That being said, everyday vehicles usually run on wet sump systems, making them easier and cheaper to repair and maintain.

If you’re looking for an oil system that just works, stick with what’s under the hood of your car. If you want a relatively simple upgrade for your wet sump oil system, consider buying a performance oil pan to reduce oil slosh and subsequent oil starvation.

If you’re aiming to push your engine hard though, especially for road racing or circle tracks, you’ll likely want a dry sump system. The improved engine cooling, cornering coverage, and improved weight distribution really shines if you’re chasing the high in high performance. For that goal, a dry sump system is well worth the investment.

Get High-Quality Oil System Parts

Whether you choose a wet or dry sump oil system, your oil system’s individual parts should always be in good condition. For example, a worn oil sump gasket can result in oil leaking through the gaps and lead to oil sump failure. In the worst-case scenario, you might end up with an overheating engine that can be expensive to repair. For your own sake, it’s best to avoid driving until you can replace faulty oil sump gaskets and other damaged parts. Luckily, you’ll find high-quality oil sump gaskets, plates, and o-ring kits at CarParts.com.

Find the best deals for high-quality oil sump gaskets, oil sump plates, and oil sump o-ring kits here at CarParts.com. We have a wide selection of aftermarket brands, so we’re confident you’ll find the best part that fits your vehicle. Should you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and helpful customer service staff, who are more than happy to help you.

Don’t wait until defective components in your oil sump system cause your engine to overheat. Check out our wide selection of oil sump gaskets, oil sump plates, and oil sump o-ring kits at CarParts.com and order today!