Caterham 7 Vauxhall 20XE oil fill level

[Reiver]

I have read one should overfill the Caterham sump a bit if you have the original Vaux dipstick (marked Max/min) as the Cat factory grinds those off and redoes the max fill line to a higher level.  This from an old Forum conversation in 2010.  I have the original one so marked.

 

Any info is appreciated.... presently filled a tad over MAX.  If you have a factory dipstick what would the MAX line measure from the bottom most point (assuming they used the original dipstick to modify).

 

My first oil change and sump drop coming up (to replace the baffle)

 

Thanks

[MV8]

The sump should not be overfilled. This causes aeration of the oil, loss of power at higher rpm and increased crankcase pressure/oil leaks.

If you want to have more oil capacity, run a remote oil filter that is larger than the one on the engine. There are filters that hold one or two quarts with much greater filter area for a longer life and less pressure drop or finer filtration with similar pressure drop as original without bypassing. You'd need to buy the block adapter separate from the remote base for a different filter. You can match the bypass pressure to the original (if it has a bypass valve) but it isn't critical. There is also a bypass in the engine near the oil pump. Hoses and fittings are typically 1/2 inch npt at the adapters transitioning to AN fittings. Pushloc hose works well and last a long time with hot oil but should be replaced when it gets stiff/hard. It will continue to harden until it gets brittle and cracks. Chevy and Ford pushrod v8 filters are a good choice. 

Edited August 22 by MV8

[Reiver]

Thanks, I get the comment and have known that.... what I've read in this forum (long ago/search) was that Caterham raised the oil level a bit and made their own dipsticks for this engine to address a few things.  

Does anyone have a similar lump with a Cat dipstick for comparison?

[Reiver]

This is the original thread I'd read...comments?

 

C20XE oil level - TechTalk - Caterham and Lotus Seven Club

[Reiver]

Drained a bit out to the exact top hash mark.... easy to do with that baffle in place it doesn't exactly pour out as most do.  It wasn't a great deal but I'll see if it makes any performance dif in the next few days.