k series dry sump

[Woodyrvf750]

I've got a Westfield XI which I'm looking to fit a K series engine to.

Can anyone tell me how much additional ground clearance I would get from fitting a dry sump?

Also, does anyone have a k series dry sump for sale?

Thanks, Mark

[V7SLR]

It depends upon how the engine is installed. In the Caterham application the nose of the engine is slightly lower making the front of the sump the lowest point. However, if the engine were to be installed level, the front of the sump is no lower than the bottom of the bellhousing therefore no additional over-all clearance to be gained from a d/s, except that there will be a little extra (about an inch)at the front.

Stu.

[sfaulds]

I'd say it depends more on what sump is currently fitted! The standard Rover one is probably 3" deeper than either the Caterham wet or dry pan.

[Mars]

In practice there's probably not much in it. The justification for dry sumping a K is simply that in wet sump format it doesn't like hard cornering on dry roads with decent tyres.

[V7SLR]

Good point Stuart (sfaulds)! I was assuming that posting on the Caterham forum, Mark is already planning the "Caterham" w/s.

Stu.

[Woodyrvf750]

Thanks all for your comments. I know this is a Westfield XI install but I guessed there'd be more experience of this on the Catherham forum.

I did have a 1.6ss K series powered car that I built in 1997, which, would you believe I wrote off by hitting a catseye.. Caterham kindly rechassied it for me, my insurance paid..

Is the 'search' function on this forum broken for everyone?

Cheers, Mark

[DVandrews]

I have recently built a K series for a Westfield XI and the owner brought the car here for startup a few weeks ago, I recommended the Pace system which was nicely installed. I have some pictures somewhere of the installation, there werent too many issues involved with the plumbing (other than a few leaks onto my driveway which were easily solved). The extra ground clearance is around 2 1/2 inches over the regular ally sump, but the main reason for fitting a dry sump is to combat oil starvation caused by surge.

I can put you in touch with the owner if you like..

Dave

Edited by DVandrews on Sunday 12th September 22:26

[Mars]

DVandrews said:

I have recently built a K series for a Westfield XI and the owner brought the car here for startup a few weeks ago, I recommended the Pace system which was nicely installed. I have some pictures somewhere of the installation, there werent too many issues involved with the plumbing (other than a few leaks onto my driveway which were easily solved). The extra ground clearance is around 2 1/2 inches over the regular ally sump, but the main reason for fitting a dry sump is to combat oil starvation caused by surge.

I can put you in touch with the owner if you like..

Dave

4 posts in 120 months. Must be a prize awaiting for you somewhere Dave.

Edited by Mars on Monday 13th September 22:22

[DVandrews]

Hey Nige,

I asked a question on the BMW M forum so I thought I would balance it by contributing here as I had direct experience that could be brought to bear. Forums take up a lot of time .

Dave

[Mars]

DVandrews said:

Hey Nige,

I asked a question on the BMW M forum so I thought I would balance it by contributing here as I had direct experience that could be brought to bear. Forums take up a lot of time .

Dave

Don't I know it. I've almost made the transition from real person to virtual as I inhabit these spaces so much.

[Woodyrvf750]

Does anyone know of a Caterham wet sump for a k series available? I've done my calculations and thats the route I'm going. Thanks

[DVandrews]

Beware that if you do that you seriously risk wrecking your big-ends, I have had over 150 Caterham bottom ends apart, all those on wet sumps that did *not* have an Apollo tank had suffered big end damage, some of it severe. The Caterham sump is very shallow and suffers badly with surge. Aeration of the oil is a major problem also.

Dave

[Incorrigible]

Dave's right, of course

Although an Apollo tank for your application shouldn't be difficult to design and install.

Also, if you do go wet sump, a sump foam would be advisable

[Woodyrvf750]

An apollo tank is within budget so that's fine.

Any experience of fitting an accusump to remove the oil surge/starvation problem?

[DVandrews]

Accumsumps dont cut it..

My experience of sump foam is that it is the spawn of the devil, far too often it breaks down and blocks the pickup, I have seen around 12 engines with wrecked big ends due to foam break uo with resultant blocking of the pickup, two of these resulted in a rod through the block.

Dave