Superlight R - engine maintenance costs
Discussion
Is a dry sump a nice to have or almost must have option for a SLR?
I'm tempted by one of the SLRs on the market. Seems to have a good spec and in my fav colour (I know that shouldn't play such a big role) but doesn't have DS.
I would probably do a couple of track days a year but other than that would be road use. Last fun car (early 911) I did about 5000 in the year I had it.
I'm tempted by one of the SLRs on the market. Seems to have a good spec and in my fav colour (I know that shouldn't play such a big role) but doesn't have DS.
I would probably do a couple of track days a year but other than that would be road use. Last fun car (early 911) I did about 5000 in the year I had it.
No need for a DS for a couple of track days a year. More than that, then you need one. Going rate for an SLR is £16-£18k, more for an R400. The youngest real SLR is 14 years old now. Beware of cars purporting to be an SLR or R400 that aren't. No plaque means it didn't leave the factory or as a CKD as one and the value is affected.
Great cars but on a car at 20,000 miles or more I'd be looking to make sure oil pressure remains strong after a run and doesn't fade when cornering. They tend to get driven hard and in my experience you do need to be religious about keeping the oil topped up to avoid oil surge when cornering which starves the bearings.
I loved the 2 I ran. Right balance of power and came on cam nicely at 4250 rpm.
Great cars but on a car at 20,000 miles or more I'd be looking to make sure oil pressure remains strong after a run and doesn't fade when cornering. They tend to get driven hard and in my experience you do need to be religious about keeping the oil topped up to avoid oil surge when cornering which starves the bearings.
I loved the 2 I ran. Right balance of power and came on cam nicely at 4250 rpm.
The SLRs I've seen advertised are quite a bit more than £16-£18k (£23k). I've seen SLs in that range. Dealers trying to extract the Michael? I've had lots of 911s so a bit comfortable about sportting a good or bad one but I've got no knowledge of Caterhams (even though they have been on my "got to own at some point" list for over 20 years!
Yes you should expect to pay 21 upwards from a dealer, 18 upwards privately. I had a wet sump despite all the trackdays - it was fine, with great OP and no oil surge (except for a brief period when I took the baffle out, which caused big pressure drops when hard cornering on left handers). The VHPD is a great engine!
FST said:
Yes you should expect to pay 21 upwards from a dealer, 18 upwards privately. I had a wet sump despite all the trackdays - it was fine, with great OP and no oil surge (except for a brief period when I took the baffle out, which caused big pressure drops when hard cornering on left handers). The VHPD is a great engine!
Interesting comment about the baffle. Is this the foam in the sump (that many recommend removing), or something else? Yes - the foam baffle. I removed it soon after getting the car, following all the advice everywhere that they tend to break up and can cause fatal oil starvation.
Then, when I started to take the car on track, I found I was getting serious oil pressure drop on fast left- hand corners. I took lots more advice, modified the sump gasket etc etc. Nothing worked, so I thought I better take the plunge and get a dry sump. But before committing to that I thought I'd try re-fitting the foam baffle. Result? Problem instantly cured, oil pressure rock steady in all cornering situations..
The baffle does have a real purpose, and it evidently works. So don't believe any who says different! As a precaution against deterioration, however, I replaced the foam baffle annually from then onwards.
All good.
Then, when I started to take the car on track, I found I was getting serious oil pressure drop on fast left- hand corners. I took lots more advice, modified the sump gasket etc etc. Nothing worked, so I thought I better take the plunge and get a dry sump. But before committing to that I thought I'd try re-fitting the foam baffle. Result? Problem instantly cured, oil pressure rock steady in all cornering situations..
The baffle does have a real purpose, and it evidently works. So don't believe any who says different! As a precaution against deterioration, however, I replaced the foam baffle annually from then onwards.
All good.
BertBert said:
Not sure I agree with this. If you get oil surge then it's very bad and will cause damage every lap. So if you are getting it, then it needs sorting regardless of whether it's one or ten track days.
Bert
I know what you're saying, but from my experience, making sure the oil is topped right up and all should be OK (unless you're fitting slicks).... Bert
But I'd always be looking for one with DS if I bought another - that piece of mind is worth a fortune!
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