VW Type 4 Oil System

1. Engine Oil Sump Options

Stock Integral Sump: Wet sump cast into the case; limited capacity but compact and still significantly greater volume than a VW Type 1 engine.
Tuna Can: Adds a bit more oil volume and also extends the oil pickup lower into the sump. Reduces ground clearance by roughly 1.5 inches: https://lnengineering.com/type-4-billet-sump-assembly.html
Deep Sump: Bolts on roughly 1.5 quarts of extra volume, but reduces ground clearance even further: https://lnengineering.com/scat-50020-vw-type-4-porsche-914-912e-1-5-quart-finned-oil-deep-sump-pan.html

Factory Type 4 Oil Pump: Stock configuration; adequate for up to mild street use, however no longer available and every expensive if you happen to come across an NOS unit.
30mm VW Type 1: A modified Schadek 30mm VW Type 1 oil pump is the best option for a performance oil pump for the Type 4 engine: https://lnengineering.com/type-4-store/type4store-products/oiling-system-accessories/30mm-schadek-oil-pump-modified-for-type-4-vehicles.html
Full-Flow Conversions: If you decide to convert your VW Type 4 to a full-flow oiling system configuration, the same Schadek pump can be modified to allow this conversion: https://lnengineering.com/type-4-store/type4store-products/oiling-system-accessories/30mm-full-flow-schadek-oil-pump-modified-for-type-4-vehicles.html

Stock Oil Filter and Oil Cooler: The factory oil filter arrangement is not full flow, but is basically the same as the filter you would find in your modern automotive engine. The stock Type 4 oil cooler is significantly larger than a Type 1 oil cooler and should be sufficient for engines up to 2270cc, even with cast iron cylinders.
Remote Filter Kit: Relocate the oil filter using a remote adapter with thermostat to ensure your oil gets to proper operating temperature in cold climates. Better done as part of a full-flow oil system conversion.
Additional Oil Cooling: Add an external cooler for lower oil temperatures; essential in high-load or hot climates. Again, best done as part of a full-flow conversion with an external oil filter.

Original Relief Valve: Set ~55–60 psi at 2000 rpm; factory spring may weaken with age.
Upgraded Oil Pressure Relief Pistons and Springs: Aftermarket springs available to raise or lower the relief pressure.
Instrumentation: Don't rely on the idiot light. Add oil pressure as well as oil and cylinder head temperature to ensure your engine is not running hot. The general rule of thumb for minimum hot oil pressure is 10psi per 1,000 rpm. A taco plate can be used to easily add an oil temperature sensor in the stock oil sump: https://lnengineering.com/type-4-billet-sender-plate.html

Use high-quality synthetic oil to improve flow under extreme temperatures. In most cases, as 15w50 or 20w50 is appropriate for the VW Type 4 engine, unless it will see regular startups and operation below 32F. In that case, using a 5w40 viscosity will provide excellent protection and performance to well below 0F.
Do not exceed sustained 220F oil temperature; maximum intermittent oil temperature is 235-240F.
On remote oil cooler and filter setups, bleed the system of air before start-up.