Miata Oil Pan Baffle Query.

[DanM]

I'm in the process of assembling my NA MX5 1.6 and wondering if I should install an oil pan baffle.  The car is going to be primarily autocross and street.

 

Will I benefit from having one, considering the usage?  Now is the time to do it while the engine is apart.

 

Thanks Dan

[MV8]

It comes with a slotted baffle sandwiched by the pan side bolts.

[DanM]

@MV8 Yes, it does, but some are installing a larger one like this, especially if they shorten the sump.

 

https://supermiata.com/oil-pan-baffle-miata.aspx

 

I have no plans to shorten the sump at this time, so was curious if I would get any benefit.

[MV8]

Of course, what keeps oil from moving up usually keeps it from returning to the pan. I could see the benefit of a filler plate across the rear to keep it from moving up the back of the engine during accel, or a crank scrapper along one side that shears oil from the crank, or a mesh screen windage tray, or trap doors around the sump similar to what you might see in a fuel tank, but I don't see any benefit to adding this plate, imho. The original piece is better if this is intended as a replacement for that.

[lg2k]

I have it installed and recommend it. I also recommend shortening the sump as it sits pretty low on the Westfield.