K series Baffled Sump

Can those with technical knowledge and/or practical experience let me know your thoughts on the need for a baffled sump on a standard VVC engine (in a S1 Elise running A048’s), used only for track days / racing please ?

Is it a case of one would be “nice to have” or is a case of “you’d be daft no to” ??

Also, if an essential item … can you let me know what you think of the design and construction of this one please ?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120388450430

Would the fact that the baffle is welded in run the risk of distortion of the sump to block mating face ?
Does the design of the baffle look like it will do the job ?

As you can tell I know bugger all about any of this !

Many thanks for any advice.

I have commisioned some baffle sets for the Elise/Exige sump which are similar but better than the one shown.

They will be priced at around �80-90, I am expecting them in the very near future.

Dave

Dave,

Stop tempting us When will they be available ???

Chris

Dave,

Stop tempting us When will they be available ???

Chris

Can someone please explain to me why a baffled sump is a good mod to have on the ‘K’ series Exige? I have never heard or read anything about oil surge related failures!

Pete,

On most Elise engines I have had apart, I can tell the ones that have done track work because big-ends one and two show signs of distress through contact with the crank, I.E. break down of the oil film due to a drop of in oil pressure. The cause of this is oil surge, the sump is un baffled and oil will move away from the pickup under lateral ‘G’.

Soetimes the collateral damage is light, sometimes the bearing has started to break up… early engines have weaker bearings which will delaminate under duress, have a look at the engine rebuild postings from Esprit (our NZ friend) and see what I mean.

Baffling the sump is a 90% cure for this.

Dave

Very many thanks for your input / assistance Dave - excellent as always.

Although I am by no means the fastest on track by a long way, it sounds like I should really invest in a baffled sump and probably sooner rather than later.

Are you at liberty to say what advantages your design has please ?
I would also be very grateful for any further info on when yours will be available please ?

Very many thanks
Steve

I guess it would be good to know what is considered better, a modified sump with baffles welded in, or a baffle plate that sandwiches in between the sump and the bottom of the block? Dave? Anyone have knowledge / thoughts on this?

I use a baffled sump on my race car that boxes in the pickup with one way gates that permit oil to flow in but restrict it outwards. Never had a problem.

Dave, very interested in your offering, when will it be available and what type of design is it. Cheers

Pete,

On most Elise engines I have had apart, I can tell the ones that have done track work because big-ends one and two show signs of distress through contact with the crank, I.E. break down of the oil film due to a drop of in oil pressure. The cause of this is oil surge, the sump is un baffled and oil will move away from the pickup under lateral ‘G’.

Soetimes the collateral damage is light, sometimes the bearing has started to break up… early engines have weaker bearings which will delaminate under duress, have a look at the engine rebuild postings from Esprit (our NZ friend) and see what I mean.

Baffling the sump is a 90% cure for this.

Dave

Very interesting!

I will need one then!

Thanks for the reply.

[quote=Dave_Andrews]I have commisioned some baffle sets for the Elise/Exige sump which are similar but better than the one shown.

They will be priced at around �80-90, I am expecting them in the very near future.

Dave [/quote]

Dave, can you post some pics when you get your sets in? I’m very interested in pursuing one of these for my car. Also, could you highlight whether your sets will be welded sumps or add in baffles that sandwich between the sump and the bottom of the block?

Many thanks - Nick

At long last I have the baffle sets in, a small batch of 10 sets. At the moment they are a DIY job to fit, although I could provide an exchange sump service with them tack welded in place. They pretty much slot into position between the sump and ladder and may need a small tack to stop them vibrating.

At the moment I have no means to photograph them as my digital camera is broken…

Dave

:slight_smile: I have sent you a pm Dave.

[quote=Dave_Andrews]At long last I have the baffle sets in, a small batch of 10 sets. At the moment they are a DIY job to fit, although I could provide an exchange sump service with them tack welded in place. They pretty much slot into position between the sump and ladder and may need a small tack to stop them vibrating.

At the moment I have no means to photograph them as my digital camera is broken…

Dave[/quote]

Hi Dave - I have no email access at the moment, but am also interested in one of these. I’ll give you a call early next week.

Chris (Dobson)