7deg VX engine instalation?

[Demos]

I have now my 2.0VX engine. I notice that the original sump is not that deep, in fact is only 110mm, similar to some aftermarket low line sumps. However it is not a flat bottom. I am thinking of retaining the original sump and baffle it in the future.

My question is: has anybody used this particular original sump?

I am also wandering why a 7deg bellhousing installation is not very common. I was thinking that with an inclined engine the inlet (whether it is manifold and carburettors or throttle bodies) would be inclined upwards allowing the engine to sit lower without risking manifold to chassis rail interference.

In addition the original sump, would then be level, plus the C.G of the engine would be a little bit lower (the engine mounts I will make to suit, the originals need to be modified anyway for a narrow body chassis installation).

Am I right to believe that a 7deg installation can be ok, and are there any particular problems that I am not aware of?  please advise me if you had such a decision to make in the past. The only problem I can think of is that an aftermarket exhaust manifold would not be suitable to a 7deg installation plus an inclined engine would perhaps not look very nice in the chassis.

[Blatman]

Inclined left to right, or font to rear? I'm not sure what you're getting at.

My Vx slpes towards the nose slightly, my Cossie slopes towards the front a bit more than the Vx. The are both level, left to right......

In either case, the original sump is almost certainly from a front wheel drive car (unless the engine came out of a Carlton/Omega or something). I wouldn't use a sump designed for a FWD car on a RWD car.......

[Arm]

I've only ever seen or installed the Vx motor vertical or as described by Blatters with it slightly down at the front !

Not yet seen a bell housing with a 7 degrees axial offset if this is what you mean.

[Demos]

Sorry, I meant to say 7 degrees to the left viewed from driver’s seat.

[Arm]

Ahhh I think I understand.

Time, money and effort considerations it may be worth considering standard Westfield supplied engine mounts, a standard bellhousing with the gearbox in the near vertical position a standard Westfield type exhaust manifold but modify the sump to flat bottom (and a bit more baffling).

The inlet manifold usually misses the chassis anyway.

I also guess if the engine was anything but vertical the RH edge of the cam cover would clash with the underside of the bonnet

Overall I guess as cheap and quick as unique engine mounts, bellhousing and ex. manifold.

If you want the engine lower, lower the whole car as well

[bofus]

When the Vx XE was first installed by Steve Broughton in his rally chevette he copied the standard FWD install with the 7deg lean angle..since then?

I guess the drain of the oil from the cam areas in the head is the deciding factor, the sump and pickup pipe can be moddied to suit

Gav

[scott beeland]

I definitely would advise against using the original sump. Cornering/ braking forces in Westfield can be greater than that sump can cope with. Result could be very expensive oil surge. (been there got the t shirt). Get yerself a baffled ally sump. (factory or sbd etc) and put engine in vertical. Bellhousings can be had for not much. Depending on chassis type also. If you've got a narrow tunnel the 7 degree tilt can give gearbox / chassis contact troubles