C20XE Sump and baffling

[033 Ken]

Wanted Opel C20XE sump, I'm going to get it baffled so if anyone has a spare they want to move on let me know I will buy it off you.

Also has any got or know where to find pictures of one that's been baffled or know what needs done? bearing in mind that it is in a front drive car.

[021 Chad]

Is there any reason why you're getting it baffeled?

[033 Ken]

When I went on a track day after every tight fast corner when i gave it the gas it gave huge puffs of smoke, I know that a oil catch tank is needed and it will get one but it's good to have the bottom sorted as well, any advise would be good. thanks

[020 Brad]

I wouldn't bother with sump mods. If you had a sump issue it wouldn't be smoking, it would have blown up by now - the second you know, its already too late.

Chads car is fine on the countries most notorious corner for blowing motors - The sweeper at Hampton. And thats on semi slicks, so yours I'm sure, will be fine.

What you will need however, is either a catch can as you suggest, or a breather system to alleviate this issue. It is ideal if you can also fit a drain back into the sump from your catch can so you don't have to worry about it filling up and causing more issues!

[033 Ken]

Cool thanks, I did wonder about the baffles because there is next to no imformation on the net about baffles for them. I like the idea about plumbing back into the sump, no maitenance then lol

[020 Brad]

That's right, because if you're anything like me you'd check it once and then forget about it completely, until something goes wrong. Have a hunt on the net for breather mods, because I know this was an issue on the later model engines (X20XEV) and a breather mod was released from the factory, so perhaps people have done something similar on the C20XE's?

Otherwise a simple catch can won't be difficult from memory there are a couple of holes in the block you could use for a low pressure drain.

[127 Gordo]

They come standard with a windage tray, which will help control the oil.
The UK guys don't seem to have a problem, even on slicks, but if you're concerned, keep the oil to the top mark (I slightly overfill) and you could even consider an Accusump.
Check out SBD for modification to the cam' cover* to prevent oil getting drawn into the inlet - you could also plumb in a catch tank if desired.

*http://www.sbdev.co.uk/Info_sheets/Oil_systems/2.0L%2016v%20SBD%20Cam%20cover%20breathing%20modification.htm

Oh, you may find this illustrative... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv53Rbvg ... r_embedded

[033 Ken]

Thanks guy's most imformative, Ill keep you posted on what I do. I also have a leaky sump gasket I see on the net the 8v rubber gasket is suggested, has anyone here been down that road?

[127 Gordo]

Forgot, while you have the sump off, stick some ARPs into it - then raise the rev' limit...
You may also want to replace the sintered internal oil pump gear with a steel one and maybe replace the pressure relief valve with a nylon/viton one.

[021 Chad]

When I did my ARP rod bolts I did notice that the sump windage tray and scraper louvres were particularly well designed, as mentioned I've placed about as much lateral G's as I can on the motor and never seen any issues regarding oil pressure.
So I would advise not bothering with baffels.
What I did is plumb a 1000cc catch can into the rocker cover breathers, it takes about 6 track days to get half full so far (I have a sight glass to check level) and it actually emulsified with the air moisture by the time I had to empty it, I beleive that most of the oil runs back into the rocker cover as there is a slight incline from outlet to can. I've only had to emnpty the catch can twice in 4 years! It means that there will be no more puffs of smoke and you can push it as hard as you like.

[168 Derek S]

I have a spare sump and baffle if needed

[212 Brendan H]

http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/ ... et-engines.

[127 Gordo]

http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?123310-Courtenay-Sport-Cam-Breather-Mod-on-the-C20xe-and-C20Let-engines.

Seems a rather daft way of doing it, TBH. I certainly wouldn't be using sealant, as that would be preventing any oil that did get behind the plate leaking out.
Given a choice, I'll be using the SBD version on the spare cover - I've got a catch can for the breather as well, if required.