slimline/dry sumps which is best?
Discussion
A slimline sump could give you problems with oil capacity, windage (where the oil level is high enough for the crankshaft to hit it) or oil starvation in fast corners. A dry sump solves all of these problems but obviously costs more and adds complexity. You will need space to site the oil tank and also to fit the pump(s).
You should probably talk to Raceline or Dunnell who, I believe, both make shallow sumps for the Zetec and to Pace for dry sumping information.
BTW I don't have a Westfield or a Zetec but the information above is fairly generic. I have drysumped my K-series engined Caterham because of all 3 issues mentioned above. I understand that the Zetec is less affected but a dry sump is still the ultimate solution. The only down side to a dry sump is if the pump drive belt snaps you can say goodbye to your engine unless you shut down very quickly. Some people fit a warning system useing a microswitch.
You should probably talk to Raceline or Dunnell who, I believe, both make shallow sumps for the Zetec and to Pace for dry sumping information.
BTW I don't have a Westfield or a Zetec but the information above is fairly generic. I have drysumped my K-series engined Caterham because of all 3 issues mentioned above. I understand that the Zetec is less affected but a dry sump is still the ultimate solution. The only down side to a dry sump is if the pump drive belt snaps you can say goodbye to your engine unless you shut down very quickly. Some people fit a warning system useing a microswitch.
Depending on how bad/where the hole is, Scholar might be able to re-work it for you. They do a budget low-line sump by chopping the bottom inch or two off, extending the new 'bottom' all the way back (to restore oil volume - the Scholar sump holds 4.75l and uses the original dipstick) and add baffles internally. Also includes a modified oil pickup. Not as pretty as, say a Raceline cast sump, but just as effective and at about £155, not too painful. If you don't have a decent sump to mod, they charge an extra £25 I think. All + VAT 
Depending on which car you have, once you've put a Scholar (or similar) low-line sump on, you'll likely find that either the bottom of the bellhousing or the lower chassis hoop is now the lowest thing on the car so you aren't likely to repeat the exercise.
Dry sumping it will cost you a great deal more than that. Obviously superior if you are going racing, but probably not worth the expense & complication for road use or mild track work.
Been working toward replacing the Xflow with a Zetec in the Westy - opted for the Scholar sump and Raceline water rail. Almost ready now
)
HTH
Depending on which car you have, once you've put a Scholar (or similar) low-line sump on, you'll likely find that either the bottom of the bellhousing or the lower chassis hoop is now the lowest thing on the car so you aren't likely to repeat the exercise.
Dry sumping it will cost you a great deal more than that. Obviously superior if you are going racing, but probably not worth the expense & complication for road use or mild track work.
Been working toward replacing the Xflow with a Zetec in the Westy - opted for the Scholar sump and Raceline water rail. Almost ready now
) HTH
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