WTB: Engine sump protection plate

[Stivva]

Anybody got a spare plate to protect the engine's sump? I am chasing one up.

[dat2kman]

The rally guys usually get a 8mm piece of alloy, cut to a template,shape, with a bit of a fold towards front, going up to lower radiator crossmember, full width, to prevent water ingress, with rear going to just past the gearbox bellhousing bottom lip.

May need to weld mounting tabs onto engine crossmember.

[Stivva]

I was considering an afytermarket solution, but I think I want an original piece. I wouldnt mind something relatively straight, faded paint would be ok, I would repaint it.

[Scoota G]

What has 2 thumbs and also one of these plates of which you speak??

 

 

[GongZ]

Are you actually looking for an engine splash pan like the one shown below?

 

These are not designed to protect the sump from anything more than a nasty old splash of muddy water, but they apparently have aerodynamic benefits. Most people removed them and threw them away it seems - and if you can find one - it might be quite expensive.

 

There is currently a repaired and powder coated one on eBay USA with a buy it now price of US$750 (over AU$1,000 at today's rate);

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-240Z-Splash-Pan-Extremely-Rare-Complete-with-Mounting-Bolts-/171868868085?hash=item28042ecdf5

 

Also note that the 280Z version was different.

[gav240z]

but they apparently have aerodynamic benefits. Most people removed them and threw them away it seems.

 

I haven't tested it myself, but I believe they would also aid in cooling by helping create a low pressure area behind the radiator. Nissan engineers probably further recognised this benefit with later S30z's as you'll notice above the radiator support on later cars was an additional lip with rubber seal so the top of the radiator support and bonnet would be sealed and effectively increase the high pressure area in front of the radiator and lower it behind it, air likes to move from high pressure to low pressure areas hence air is drawn through the radiator helping cooling.

[74zzz]

these are rare? i have one on mine just assumed everybody had one as splash guards are on every car produced...........hmmmm

 

[Riceburner]

The stock splash pan mounts from the crossmember forwards over the sway bar and bolts to the radiator support? If so it won't actually cover/protect your sump, they're quite thin also.

 

If protection is what you need Jason's idea is best. My brother had that style ally plate on his 1600 from it's rally days and it was heavy duty!

[Stivva]

Ahh. I was not aware that they were so useless lol! well, I guess the aluminium one is the go then!

[dat2kman]

Are you going dirt rallying?

If no, then fashion a cardboard template, to fill in between crossmember and front lower rad support, jigsaw a bit of thin alloy up, 12mm will do.

 

The dirt guys use around 8mm, hard to shape, but very effective on big jumps, they also place a bit of sponge foam between sump and plate, as small rocks can lodge in there, and can, and do, puncture the sump pan on heavy landings!

[GongZ]

...

If no, then fashion a cardboard template, to fill in between crossmember and front lower rad support, jigsaw a bit of thin alloy up, 12mm will do.

...

 

Did you mean 1.2mm?

[nat0_240_chevZ]

and my front rails have the provisions for the stock tray to mount to aswell, i totally forgot why i put those M5 things in them.

so yea, i can confirm the stock splash shield uses 4x M5 bolts to hold to the lh & rh front rails, and i think 3 more on the lower rad support.

Just an FYI incase you couldnt pick it up from that lovely pic above.

nat0

[dat2kman]

Did you mean 1.2mm?

Yes, meant 1 to 2 mm.

With a bit of a slght bend here and there it will be stiff enough.