is it really that difficult to find a sump for a Griffith500

[marz92]

I have tried the usual TVR dealers including TVR scrap dealers in the search for a sump for an M reg Griffith 500. I can't believe how difficult this has been in the last couple of days! I have since discovered there are two different types of V8 Land Rover and Range Rover Sumps. I came across a sump today in good nick from a P38 Range Rover (M reg onwards) and discovered this is different, for a start the sump plug is smaller and placed at the bottom and due to the nature of having a Griffith 500 the panel which has to be beaten out is different too. I have been told to look for a Range Rover Classic sump where the drain plug, slightly bigger in shape, is to one side (and not on the bottom). Having checked underneath my car this morning, this seems to be the case. No scrap dealer wants to sell a sump, (prefer to sell the engine as a whole). No Land Rover dealer keeps the Classic sump in stock any more. Didn't bargain for it to be so difficult to buy a plain old simple sump. Any body out there, got any ideas, leads or contacts? If so, I would be most grateful to hear from anybody. Thanks

[dumbfunk]

Neil at www.tvrcarparts.co.uk has never let me down yet.

[marz92]

dumbfunk said:

Neil at www.tvrcarparts.co.uk has never let me down yet.

One of the first calls I made! No luck

Having said that, thought I would work backwards with the ads in the latest edition of Sprint, Started with Racing Green, No luck but was told to try TVR Power. And when asked, the reply came back.... 'How many do you want?' If only he knew how long I have spent searching!!!!

Forgot to mention: The nice guys at TVR Power will also beat the sump out with a hammer, so it will be made to measure and fit the 500. Fantastic!

Anyway all sorted now and thanks for your interest.

Edited by marz92 on Wednesday 18th February 16:47

[S4CJO]

Following a coming together with huge stone outside the entrance to a local landfill site while on the way to Rockingham raceway the sump now had a nice furrow down the middle. Fortunately no oil loss but concern that the sump may have impacted on the pick up pipe.

Living not too far away from V8 Developments gave them a call explained the problem and at the time they had a near new one from one of their test bench engines, a number of £10 notes later a nice new looking sump is on its way to the car. Even though it was near new I still give it a good rub down and several caots of Hammerite spray gloss balck. Bonza....

Give the guys a try who knows they may just have another on the shelf.

[Uncle Fester]

I haven’t seen it on the V8D website lately, but I seem to recall they used to offer an ‘increased ground clearance’ sump with special baffling.

On the assumption that you need a new one because the old one lacked ground clearance, it might be cheaper than a ruptured sump and a knackered engine.

[S4CJO]

Yup they did used to do one but I think it was a John Eales developed sump. They probably could get hold of one if you really need one.

In a previous life with a Westfield I fitted a short sump, it was cast alloy and inside perfectly machined baffels and plate all held in place with counter sunk allen screws. I was a bit of a I had it on my desk for two days before fiiting it just looking at it.

If they did one for the Chim I certainly consider it .

[steve-V8s]

V8d sell the same one as JE ( there is a picture on the JE website ) it is actually made by some other chap, can’t recall his name.

[marz92]

S4CJO said:

Give the guys a try who knows they may just have another on the shelf.

Guys, thanks for the input, always useful to have other contacts as well. But as I previously posted I have got one from those nice people at TVR Power.