Duratec R300 SV dry sump options

[dvl993]

Hello,

tracking my 2L Duratec R300 (SV chassis) I kinda overlooked the spurious oil pressure readings (only checking on corner exit already deep into the throttle: looked ok). Reviewing a video afterwards oil pressure drops alarmingly while riding the brake to the apex of a downhill lefthand corner, similar problems with breaking deep into a 3rd gear righthand uphill corner.

Engine is damaged.

I'm now looking for a dry sump solution.

The raceline dry sump kit ( http://www.raceline.co.uk/products/part_section.as... ) looks really nice due to the internal oil pump, but you also need a external oil tank and oil lines. Raceline recommends pace ( http://www.paceproducts.co.uk/public_html/php/prod... ), but im unsure what to order, especially because the caterham dry sump kit uses a triangular oil tank.

Did anyone install this combination into a duratec SV superlight? I assume LHD / RHD doesn't really matter considering the oil tank will be installed in front of the engine.

Thanx for any hint,
Dirk

[DCL]

The triangular tank is only that shape because of space issues and a round tank would be better if you have space. The important thing is the capacity as the Duratec can have a very high running capacity - minimum I would consider is 7 litres.

My R400 (early wet sump car) suffered similar problems and here's a thread of my upgrade that might be of interest. It covers the shell replacement too. The raceline sump is a more up-to-date solution but the principles are the same. Also, Modine coolers oil are usually used now.

http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?...

Good Luck

Edited by DCL on Tuesday 18th March 16:07

[dvl993]

DCL said:

The triangular tank is only that shape because of space issues and a round tank would be better if you have space. The important thing is the capacity as the Duratec can have a very high running capacity - minimum I would consider is 7 litres.

You mean a 7 litres additional oil tank? That would mean a 8.25 inch diameter tank, 16 inch height + 1.25 inch for the cap. That would mean the car would hold > 10 litres in total?

I wonder if this fits.

Cheers,
Dirk

[DCL]

The dry sump has two pumps (a scavenging pump, and a pressure pump) so it is possible for most of the oil in the engine to end up in the tank. You really want a tank big enough to hold the 'total' quantity of oil you intend to put in the engine - IMHO that should be around 7 litres . In practice, I think most people just top up the oil until is starts to get blown out (into the catch tank).

When the engine is exposed to high G loads, some of the oil may take longer to get scavenged back to the tank so you need a tank large enough to ensure a continuous supply to the pressure pump.

[Shaun_E]

I've got the Raceline system and it's a straightforward install. I used the Pace tank and I'm pretty sure it's the 6.5" x 16" one. You have to shorten the passenger footwell to fit this. The reason Caterham use a triangular tank is to fit it in front of the engine so avoiding a short footwell. Putting 5 litres of oil plus the tank at the front of the engine bay won't do weight distribution much good though which is why I went the Pace tank route. Some of the pipe routing was a little tricky because of the close proximity of chassis rails but I suspect that is less of an issue in the SV.

[dvl993]

Hello,

shortening the passenger footwell and putting the hot oil tank close to the feets of the passenger is a solution i don't like.

I've seen the caterham triangular tank solution now , and it looks ok. Does anyone know if this tank is available somewhere?

Thanx,
Dirk

[PAULJA]

Is it worth talking to Mick about the options ?

http://attreeautos.co.uk/