Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I wonder if anybody of the Zetec Elan drivers managed to use a dry sump instead of modifying a Escort oil pan.

I'm on my way fitting a blacktop Zetec into a original Lotus chassis. Using this engine adds some more difficulties compared to the more common silvertop.

I'm not quite sure of your intention.

If you use just a sump that is intended for dry sump applications, I'm sure that it will not hold sufficient volume of oil or if the oil pick up pipe would ever work efficiently.

If you plan to use a complete dry sump system remember that this is an expensive alternative unless you have some good friends who can provide cheap parts.
A complete dry sump system will be one of the best things you could do for your Zetec Elan.

Is it not possible to cut, extend & weld your existing sump to suit your application?
That's what I did with the die cast aluminium Ford Mondeo sump for my Elan.

Cheers
John

GrUmPyBoDgEr wrote:
If you plan to use a complete dry sump system remember that this is an expensive alternative unless you have some good friends who can provide cheap parts.
A complete dry sump system will be one of the best things you could do for your Zetec Elan.

John can you give me some idea of what sort of cost this would likely to be?
cheers Dave

Stratosboy wrote:

GrUmPyBoDgEr wrote:
If you plan to use a complete dry sump system remember that this is an expensive alternative unless you have some good friends who can provide cheap parts.
A complete dry sump system will be one of the best things you could do for your Zetec Elan.

John can you give me some idea of what sort of cost this would likely to be?
cheers Dave

Sorry I have no details but can point you in the direction of "Dunnell Engines" I'm fairly certain that they will have the prices & components to do the engine but hoses, oil tank & whatever you may want such as an oil cooler may have to be sourced elsewhere.
Sorry I can't be more specific.

John

cheers John, I'll have a look at Dunnell's site - just weighing up possibilities while car is in early build stages
Dave

Stratosboy wrote:cheers John, I'll have a look at Dunnell's site - just weighing up possibilities while car is in early build stages
Dave

Dave also look at the Burton site, they have a few options.
You could also go direct to one of the manufacturers such as pace.
Also Raceline do a nice alloy wet sump for the Zetec and Duratec engines when used in the RWD applications, I had one fitted to my race G27 and G20 Ginetta's and they work superbly well
Hope this helps
Dave

Nice one Dave will have a look, not sure if I'm going this far with it yet, but want to consider best options
Cheers
Dave

GrUmPyBoDgEr wrote:If you plan to use a complete dry sump system remember that this is an expensive alternative unless you have some good friends who can provide cheap parts.
A complete dry sump system will be one of the best things you could do for your Zetec Elan.

This route will be an expensive one, but the effort will pay off for sure.

My main concern is about the location of the belt drive and the needed pulleys for the oil pump. In most cases the pump is installed on the right (carb/injection) side of the engine and driven by a additional belt located in front of the belt that drives the alternator and waterpump. This additional belt will go right through the front crossmember of the chassis.
In the end that means a lot of welding to reinforce the structure of the chassis at this point.

This picture shows what I mean.



dietmar

As has been said so often before; a picture saves a 1000 words.
That photo shows the pump positioned in a position that I had not considered.
In the Elan the existing oil filter position presents a problem by being a bit in the way of the steering column.
I had imagined the pump being located on the other side of the engine.
Nevertheless it seems that the car's cross member will need extra changes; which in my opinion, shouldn't be a major problem.

That dry sump job is sure to cost you ?2000 or around that amount!
I'm interested to know why you think this expensive & complicated engine mod will pay off?
A modified & well baffled oil pan (Sump) will be able to work with an Elan's cornering, acceleration and deceleration abilities.

Cheers
John

I really like the look of the engine,wish i had one in mine.My only advice would be to pop into the local library(WH Smiths) and flic through the many boy racer mags,particulary Fast Ford and check out the adverts there,you will find some surprisingly cheep stuff in them and and good few deals are to be had in the clasified section.also a friend uses a race car parts site and he informs me of many cheep black top race engines all set up for decent money so another potential source,

Good luck,Paul

Top Tip Paul!

I must pop down to the shops & take a peek into those magazines you've mentioned.

Have to admit to already looking at Mini magazines to see if a good pick-up turns up for sale.

Cheers
John