Sump baffles.

[JimX]

These things seem to be majorly expensive for some bent sheet metal and hinges. I was wondering if there are cheaper options to prevent oil starvation or if we are destined to pay the $500 to $1000+ asking prices.

I remember awhile back someone linked to some American gadget which was a big pressurised cylinder, and when it detected pressure drop in the sump, it injected more oil into the line until pressure was restored. I think these were still fairly expensive though (US$200?)

What about the option of building your own? If someone had a set of plans for a sump baffle, I am guessing it wouldn't cost more than $100 in materials to build (unless I'm way off). Has anyone built their own, and if so would they be willing to share the plans?

Lastly, maybe there are some metal workshops that can build and sell them for a reasonable price. If they didn't *only* make sump baffles, then surely they wouldn't care about the limited customer base of these things and the fact that they are a one-off purchase. I imagine that most of the places that specialise in sump baffles realise that once you buy one, that car will never need another one again and so jack up the price.

[sewid]

That seems to be the way it goes with car parts though. People are all too willing to pay the asking price because they don't know any better.

Have you looked at some yahoo Japan auctions for these? I'm sure you could find someone who could help you get some from there.

[T0nyGTSt]

I'm pretty sure UAS has some baffles knocked up by some unknown backyard shop locally.

T.

[ph1]

Going from memory, I believe the UAS baffles are a copy of the JUN baffles knocked up by Micks Metalcraft, this may have changed as its been over a year since I was last looking for some.

The tomei baffles are reasonably priced and might be a good option.

The majority of the cost will be installation, as unless you want to stuff around removing the cross member you will need to pull the motor to drop the sump.

[dominik]

I’m sure a metal craft place could make some up with some sort of plans, as for the cost of installation...I have pulled out my sump completely without pulling the engine out or removing the cross member, although it doesn't have the baffle so I don’t know how that would affect it...

[Roy]

You will find that most engineering/welding fabrication shops charge about $55-75/hour, so soon gets expensive when you consider the labour required, not so much the material cost.

Instead of a baffled sump, would a larger oil pan be enough, if there is even a need for one on the first place? Will still cost some money, but would no doubt work out cheaper... actually just dry sump it and say goodbye to your sub and audio gear in the boot