VAC Oil Pan Baffle

[m3f_Mr. Furious]

I tried taking the FAQ advice and lurk/search the forums, but couldn't find a whole bunch of info on the VAC Oil Pan Baffle.



I purchased a '97 E36 M3 2 weeks ago, and will be doing the dreaded OPN safety wire mod, and figured I would add in the VAC baffle while I'm down there.



Google searching has told me I need to drill out the stock baffle's welds, remove it, and then weld the new baffle in place.



Can anyone provide more details? Also, being a complete n00b, is the oil pan steel or Al?



TIA

[m3f_thedood]

It's aluminum, so you need to be able to TIG weld. PM epj3, he's installed the VAC baffle.

[m3f_PurduinaM3]

Sup Jeff Did you get my email?


I texted Eric about his baffle, he hasn't responded. I'll let you know if/when he does...

[m3f_epj3]

i haz one bobby i got no text bro


OP all you need to do is dremel down the crushed rivet type of thing that holds on the stock baffle. I used a small grinding thing on my dremel. Do not drill it out, you still need the "post" there for it to be welded to. I paid my guy $20 total because it only took him about 45 seconds to weld it up. I wish I had taken pictures after it was welded, but it's very easy.

[m3f_drs1457]

Hey guys, what does the baffle do and why is it needed?

[m3f_RedboneHound]

Hey guys, what does the baffle do and why is it needed?

http://store.bimmerworld.com/shared/...t=products.asp

[m3f_Mr. Furious]

Thanks a bunch everyone. I'll be ordering the parts tonight. I'll be sure to take some detailed pics for the next guy that wants to do it.



drs1457: apparently a common "problem" is that when driven hard, a lot of e36's will lifter tick. Mine did when I autocrossed it. I'm adding the baffle because I'll be tracking and autocrossing it a lot.



Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's due to oil starvation in high G corners. I've also heard that oil gets in the head??? Either way, I was told the baffle helps, especially if you don't have the cash to do the dual pick up or a dry sump.

[m3f_epj3]

Baffle will not fix the lifter tick - that is caused by the design of the valve train. It will however prevent oil starvation at high rpm (which IS a problem)

[m3f_SG_M3]

Baffle will not fix the lifter tick - that is caused by the design of the valve train. It will however prevent oil starvation at high rpm (which IS a problem)

It doesn't prevent starvation, have seen data to prove that. The engine, even with a baffle, in competition use will starve for oil. A accusump, dry sump, or dual pick up pan are the only way to solve it.

[m3f_Mr. Furious]

So...is the VAC worth the $200? I've read a bunch of different opinions on this issue, with some saying their tick stops after the baffle install, and of course others saying it doesn't really help.



I just figured it's better than nothing, and I'm going to have the pan off anyway...

[m3f_drs1457]

From Bimmerworld's site about oil pan baffle

"This product is REQUIRED on any E30 M3 that sees track use."



Funny but I have used two tuners on my track-only E36 and neither have mentioned the need for oil pan baffle. I think I will ask my current guy his opinion.



Mr Furious, is your screen name in reference to the movie "Fast and Furious" or some anger management issue we need to know about? (KIDDING YOU!).

David

[m3f_PurduinaM3]

Baffle will not fix the lifter tick - that is caused by the design of the valve train. It will however prevent oil starvation at high rpm (which IS a problem)

Interesting, I always heard quite the opposite... So why did you do yours then?



Jeff - will you be near or at Purdue this weekend? I'm here now, I'll be here till sunday if you want to meet up and give me a ride

[m3f_epj3]

It doesn't prevent starvation, have seen data to prove that. The engine, even with a baffle, in competition use will starve for oil. A accusump, dry sump, or dual pick up pan are the only way to solve it.

Yes I agree - but we're talking street and probably autocross use at most. The baffle is absolutely sufficient in these conditions - I consulted a friend with logs of oil pressures before and after his baffle install, and at times under hard cornering (autox) he was seeing short periods of 15-20 psi at 5000rpm. After the baffle, he no longer saw the drops. It was enough proof for me, considering $200 isn't a HUGE deal.

[m3f_Mr. Furious]

Mr Furious, is your screen name in reference to the movie "Fast and Furious" or some anger management issue we need to know about? (KIDDING YOU!).

David

I think I just watched the movie Mystery Men, and I needed to come up with a screenname for another forum real quick, and Ben Stiller's character's name was the first thing that popped into my head. Screen name stuck.

Interesting, I always heard quite the opposite... So why did you do yours then?



Jeff - will you be near or at Purdue this weekend? I'm here now, I'll be here till sunday if you want to meet up and give me a ride

I'll be there NEXT weekend. Sorry. I think I'm being over paranoid about it, but I really don't want to drive long distance until this OPN thing is resolved. Like I told you, I know it's a rare occurance, but reading the OPN threads makes it seem like everyone and their mom's M3 will DIE if this is not done.

Yes I agree - but we're talking street and probably autocross use at most. The baffle is absolutely sufficient in these conditions - I consulted a friend with logs of oil pressures before and after his baffle install, and at times under hard cornering (autox) he was seeing short periods of 15-20 psi at 5000rpm. After the baffle, he no longer saw the drops. It was enough proof for me, considering $200 isn't a HUGE deal.

Do you know if this guy had the lifter tick issues after hard cornering and if the baffle helped the problem at all?

[m3f_Mr. Furious]

Just curious, the Bentley Manual recommends that you not re-use the front subframe bolts. Anybody actually go out and buy new ones for this job?