LS1 and S&P oil Pan

[bigtyme1]

69 Camaro, LS1/4L60E
I'm installing new ARP rod bolts and my S&P notched oil pan. The directions tell me I need to take leave out the windage tray. Here's a few question I need help with. Keep in mind I'm a body man not a mechanic.

do I leave out the windage tray and the trap in the bottom of the oil pan?

Why can't I just notch the windage tray where the pick up tube mounts?

How important is the windage tray?

[Shawn MacAnanny]

Some stroker LS1s dont even run a windage tray. I helps remove excess oil from the crank journals. It woudl affect performance at top end but minimally like a few hp. From what i have read and been told. I dont fully udnerstand it's function.

[WS6]

You've got its function correct, Shawn. Windage trays can also prevent the crank from whipping the oil into a foam. I would try to run one if possible but it won't kill the engine if you don't. Do make sure you space the oil pickup tube though if you remove the windage tray.