How shallow could I make an engine sump?

[PhillipM]

Yea you're looking 500-900 for a pump usually.

 

[pedrobedro]

You need to make it deep enough to avoid windage which is when the crank hits the oil and robs power, you also need some kind of baffle to stop surge on corners and braking. There is an alternative to dry sump called Accusump which stores oil and can pressurise the engine before you start it.

 

[8ob]

Where can you get pumps cheap from? Last I looked it was a couple of k to do of which the lions share was the pump and the "sump" (although that was admittedly for CNC'd ones).

The main source for V8 dry sump gear is the states, nascar outfits are always selling off n/o stock. The most I have ever paid for a complete SBF dry sump set up is about £600. Tanks I buy here and even those turn up for about £60 if you keep your open, folk buy a lot of this gear and never get to fit or use it.

I wanted an ls1 dry sump, this one turned up on ebay uk for £100 a week or two ago , again new and unused.
Wrong side of 1k new, think I was the only bidder.

 

[Anguz]

My home made one on the kit car, has baffles with gates, that let oil in, but not out of the area with the pickup

 

[Morrisman]

Probably easier to extend the forks a couple more inches put the front wheel on a block and measure the clearance.

I still have the option of designing the front form rockers to raise it an inch, but I don't really want the whole shebang raised higher if I can get away with it.

 

[Bullet2012]

What is the clearance ? Does not look that bad from your picture in post 1, although pictures are obviously deceptive.
as said by others just add a bash/ skid plate

 

[Morrisman]

What is the clearance ? Does not look that bad from your picture in post 1, although pictures are obviously deceptive.
as said by others just add a bash/ skid plate

I could probably get by as it is, but an extra inch or so makes all the difference. Ooer mrs.....

I have though about some sort of skid plate, so I may revisit that idea.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I could probably get by as it is, but an extra inch or so makes all the difference. Ooer mrs.....

I have though about some sort of skid plate, so I may revisit that idea.

I'd make any skid plate "sacrificial" and easily replaceable

 

[James1979]

I'd make any skid plate "sacrificial" and easily replaceable

I’d make it with titanium blocks on so it sparks like fk!!



The grown up in me would agree with you @CompoSimmonite

 

[slim_boy_fat]

so it sparks like fk!!

A la F1

 

[jsf55]

Might as well fit the plank as well

 

[8ob]

If the sump does get chopped oil level needs to be at least 3.5" below the sealing face/flange of the sump, thats to stop the crank turning the oil to foam. Thats providing the engine hasn't got a stroker crank fitted. Looks achievable.

Bob

 

[James1979]

If the sump does get chopped oil level needs to be at least 3.5" below the sealing face/flange of the sump, thats to stop the crank turning the oil to foam. Thats providing the engine hasn't got a stroker crank fitted. Looks achievable.

Bob

Where are you getting the 3.5” from Bob?

Is that calculated on something? Ie different foe each engine?

 

[Cato]

I'm surprised no one has suggested air suspension on the rear yet? Or is that frowned on now as it's a bit too 'Tim Westwood pimp my school bus'?

 

[Anguz]

I’d make it with titanium blocks on so it sparks like fk!!



The grown up in me would agree with you @CompoSimmonite

I have titanium on all the bits that bottom out on my kit.... looks impressive in the daytime... not bottomed out at night yet

 

[Agroshield]

Is that calculated on something? Ie different for each engine?

My guess: the oilpan to block joint is on the crank centreline. The lowest point that the crank or anything attached to it (maybe the bottom end cap) is 3.5" below that centreline. Shorter stroke, smaller crank spin envelope diameter, longer stroke, bigger swept diameter. A reasonable first guess at the number would be 1/2 the engine stroke.

 

[8ob]

Where are you getting the 3.5” from Bob?

Is that calculated on something? Ie different foe each engine?

James a stock small block chev sump was measured, with oil up to the full mark on the dip stick it was 4" from the crank centre line to the oil. General consensus is as soon as the engine is running half a gallon of that oil will be hanging up in the engine, raising the stock oil level half an inch is a max recommended in a SBC sump chop with a stock stroke crank, a windage tray would be good insurance against foaming.

Bob

 

[dobbslc]

Makes me wonder what happens to all these diesel engines cars running around with overfilled sumps full of an unburnt diesel / oil mix after multiple failed DPF regenerations!

 

[Bornfree]

Makes me wonder what happens to all these diesel engines cars running around with overfilled sumps full of an unburnt diesel / oil mix after multiple failed DPF regenerations!

That reminds me of the time we had a new driver just passed his HGV test carting sugerbeet with a ford D1000 six wheeler truck. He would come into the workshop for a jug of oil every morning. After the fourth day I thought I had better have a look at it because it's using a lot of oil, it had a V8 Cummins engine which were always a little thirsty. I pulled the dipstick and the driver who stood beside me said "what's that" he had seen the other drivers topping up with oil so thought he had better do the same. It was 6" over the full mark, how the crank seals stayed in I will never know.

 

[Dilkris]

Can you dry sump it? What’s involved? Never done one but had a few bikes that were.

Money