Caterham Duratec Wet sump - how ok for tack use?

[tomwoodis]

Hi all,

am interested to get peoples opinions on the wet sump currently fitted to my 2013 SuperSport R. Firstly, am I right in thinking its simply a rebranded raceline wet sump?

I've used the car about 3-4 times on track with this setup with no problems. The car is currently in standard form but I'm looking at an upgrade to R400 cams + throttle bodies and am wondering if I'm asking for trouble leaving it on the wet sump setup as is my current preference.

i know the k series without a dry sump was not recommended for track use but what is the current view with the Duratec cars? Is the wet sump arrangement on these better suited to light track use?

Tom

[DCL]

If you are careful, keep it neat and tidy, and don't push too hard (braking in particular) you should be OK.

But I would always recommend a dry sump on track. A long brake followed by a long corner, or spin and it will run out of oil. The Duratec will tolerate that a few times but damage will build up and sooner or later you (or the person who buys your car) will have a failure.

Edited by DCL on Friday 1st September 18:59

[AndrewGP]

I asked the exact same question in the FaceBook group recently and the answer was unanimous, you really should have a Dry Sump on track or run a serious risk of damage. I was looking at the costs of a 360r vs 420r (where the DS system is fitted as standard) as I'll want to use mine on track.

[bcr5784]

AndrewGP said:

I asked the exact same question in the FaceBook group recently and the answer was unanimous, you really should have a Dry Sump on track or run a serious risk of damage. I was looking at the costs of a 360r vs 420r (where the DS system is fitted as standard) as I'll want to use mine on track.

Firstly let me say that I don't know from personal experience . That said this subject has been discussed on here before and the answer was less clear cut. On slicks there does seem unanimity that a dry sump is necessary, On lower grip tyres, less agreement. Clearly the DS option is the low risk one. For just the odd track day ....?

Edited by bcr5784 on Saturday 2nd September 10:22

[andy97]

tomwoodis said:

i know the k series without a dry sump was not recommended for track use but what is the current view with the Duratec cars? Is the wet sump arrangement on these better suited to light track use?

Tom

Interesting about the K Series. Plenty of K Series Caterhams have and are racing with a wet sump (on list 1b/c tyres), although Caterham had a cheap fix of putting foam in the sump in their Academy/ Graduate cars, which needs changing every 2 years.

The Duratec is very sensitive to low oil level because of a shallow sump I think. When the MX5 SuperCup series started (same engine) a few engines were lost because they ran bearings with oil levels below max. I don't think they run with a dry sump set up but checking oil level is at max before every track session/ race is a must for them.

Is an Accusump a cheap alternative to lessen the risk?

[tomwoodis]

Thanks guys. All the advice here and elsewhere is pointing towards the dry sump being a very good idea so I'll but the bullet and get this done first, power upgrade to follow.

[Gregs79]

Tom,

I looked at it this way! When spending so much on upgrading the car to R400 spec, fitting a dry sump safe guards your investment. Just my thoughts.

Gregs

[tomwoodis]

I agree Gregs, I've ordered the kit from Caterham so will be heading to Crawley later this month to have it fitted.