Dry Sump Needed for 2.0 Duratec?

[TSnuggs42069]

Does the current Caterham 2.0l Duratec need a dry sump for HPDE?  I would be running on 200TW tires, not slicks

[CBuff]

I defer to others smarter than I. Not sure if your current wet sump is baffled etc.  I think there is a risk especially with long sweepers. But if you’re talking about the annual meetup I think we are running thunderbolt with the new devils pass.  Which cuts out the devil which I would think would be the highest risk turn.  Defer to @Croc because he is smarter all around (and better looking). 

[KnifeySpoony]

Given that NC miatas run basically the same motor with wet sump, presumably they do OK for light track duty. However a 7, even on 200tw will generate more lateral grip so I would be cautious. Modern 200TW tires are very sticky. 

[TSnuggs42069]

2 hours ago, CBuff said:

I defer to others smarter than I. Not sure if your current wet sump is baffled etc.  I think there is a risk especially with long sweepers. But if you’re talking about the annual meetup I think we are running thunderbolt with the new devils pass.  Which cuts out the devil which I would think would be the highest risk turn.  Defer to @Croc because he is smarter all around (and better looking). 

I am looking at new and used Caterhams and just wondering how essential it is to get one with the dry sump for light track duty.

[TSnuggs42069]

1 hour ago, KnifeySpoony said:

Given that NC miatas run basically the same motor with wet sump, presumably they do OK for light track duty. However a 7, even on 200tw will generate more lateral grip so I would be cautious. Modern 200TW tires are very sticky. 

That makes sense.  I know SCCA has a spec class for NC's that doesn't even allow a dry sump, on 200TW tires.

[KnifeySpoony]

Is this in an exocet? Isn't that transversely mounted? That could make a difference re: starve compared to longitudinal applications. 

[TSnuggs42069]

2 hours ago, KnifeySpoony said:

Is this in an exocet? Isn't that transversely mounted? That could make a difference re: starve compared to longitudinal applications. 

No, it's for a hypothetical new/used Caterham.

 

Exocet is longitudinal.  It uses a Miata drivetrain.

Edited Saturday at 01:29 AM by TSnuggs42069

[KnifeySpoony]

Ah gotcha. If you are getting a 7 to track a lot, I would definitely go for a dry sump car if you can. Oiling on track is a challenge for many "normal" street cars once they are modded to go fast. Having the dry sump is a nice "luxury" of 7 ownership if you get one fitted as such imo. 

[savagete2860]

I have to imagine a wet sump 7 on non slicks would be fine, but that's based on absolutely nothing.

 

If its in the budget, I would vote dry sump. Not only for peace of mind but it also gets your more ground clearance if that is important to you. Only when I need to check or change my oil do I wish I had a wet sump.

[11Budlite]

In case this helps, here's what the insides of a Caterham wet sump look like. The pickup tube is just loosely installed and it looks like the whole assy is pretty well designed. I'm sure it would be fine in a HPDE setting on 200TW tires, but if you ever wanted to upgrade to stickier tires it would be a lot easier to have a dry sump installed from the factory.

Edited Saturday at 04:21 PM by 11Budlite

[Scott_]

All of my research indicated that as long as you keep the oil level properly high something like the Raceline wetsump is more than adequate for occasional track days and autocross.  That said, for the engine I'm putting together for my car I went for the raceline dry sump.

 

Scott

[Reiver]

How much deeper, if any, does the wet sump sit as it relates to ground clearance.  I've a dry sump in my R400 and appreciate the clearance for road use.  I do not track at all but want as much 'space' as I can get for safe road use.

[11Budlite]

1 hour ago, Reiver said:

How much deeper, if any, does the wet sump sit as it relates to ground clearance.  I've a dry sump in my R400 and appreciate the clearance for road use.  I do not track at all but want as much 'space' as I can get for safe road use.

 

I just measured the wet sump depth at approximately 3" or 77mm.

[11Budlite]

Raceline says their dry sump kit measures the following: The Raceline Duratec dry sump kit measures 440mm in length x 310mm width and 50mm in height.

Raceline says their wet sump kit measures: The Raceline Duratec aluminium wet sump pan kit is designed to run5 litres of oil while giving maximum ground clearance (approx 75mm from block face)

 

I measured 77mm so you save between 25-27mm depending on which measurement you believe, so approximately 1 inch.

 

Edited yesterday at 12:51 AM by 11Budlite

[TSnuggs42069]

Thanks everyone for the advice!