Oil pan modification, which is better

[Jetskied]

I have seen the LN engineering increase the sump capacity by 1/2 quart and the X51 larger better baffle. I am wondering which is better suited for use at a DE event. LN said that the x51 is useless without a modified head, but I not sure if thats true as they just might want to be selling their product. I mean to me adding half a quart and not changing the baffle does not seem that it would do much either. Anyone with experiences would be appreciated.

[logray]

I believe what LNE is saying you need more than just the extra half quart and what the X51 kit provides. For example the scavenge pump return in the x51 is only good for turns in one direction (there is only a return on one bank, so if pressure and g-forces cause diminished oil flow in one direction that can cause increased wear or overheating/starvation). The better baffle does help of course. If you don't go for the 2 quart kit plus the dual tandem oil scavenge pumps, then I think they are saying install an accusump.

Some of "what you need" is going to depend on your driving abilities. I'm going to make a guess to say that if you bought all of their mods, you would need to be a very serious race car driver who can push this car to and beyond it's limits regularly on a track.

As for whether LNE is just trying to "sell something". I doubt that they are going to sell a significant enough quantity of these upgrades to be out there to push products. Their comments and research certainly seem to make sense and there are no other companies out there developing for Porsche in this manner aside from Porsche themselves.

Have you read through and understood their write up on this subject located here?

http://www.lnengineering.com/accusump.html

[Loren]

If the sump is deeper and restricts oil flow (due to cornering forces) back into the heads then the deep sump is better. At the cost of a lower sump to hit on road debris.

The X51 baffle will not help that much with out the head modification to return the oil to the sump. JMHO.

[JFP in PA]

The "Northwest Passage" in the heads is a critical component in the X51 package, the pan a baffle alone really don't add much other than a small increase in total oil capacity. I'd also suggest doing some searching, another shop (EBS) recently released a very nice looking stainless steel baffle assembly that has gotten some good press.

[Jetskied]

I actually end up buying the EBS baffle. IMO I don't think the LNE extra 1/4" deeper sump would not do anything as per instructions you open up the windows in the OE plastic baffle 1/4" lower negating any increase oil in the pick up tube area. I believe the X51 style seals off more available oil for the pick up tube. The LNE new 2 qt system looks more promising as it has a steel plate inbetween the extra oil and the standard baffle allowing 2 quarts available for the pick up, but I drive my car on the street and an extra 1" lower pan would not be a good idea. My skill are probably not good enough yet any way, but if it does get to that level its either get an accusump or trade up to a GT3.

Edited January 17, 2012 by Jetskied