dougn

I dont track my car but I do throw it around on the empty road sometimes. There must be some oil sloshing going on. I wonder if I could benefit from the x51 baffled pan? I can get one cheap

TexSquirrel

I think if you're pushing your car hard enough to need the X51 baffle, then you're going to end up in jail.
But of course I have the X51, but it's because I've been building my 996 into a track-ready toy.
I don't really need it, but I want my 996 to be ready for the track with just an oil/brake fluid change.

wdb

I watched my oil pressure gauge drop like a stone on a right-hand turn recently. I was going faster than the yellow sign suggested but I was not above the speed limit. I'd say that if you can get the baffle, get it.

Armitage

I don't drive mine like a madman, but still this video convinced me to replace the oil pan for the X51 one:

GC996

Sure wouldn't hurt.

You may also want to consider getting the UAOS track version so you can run an extra quart of oil (over full). You can baffle anything you want, but you need plenty oil in these engines to keep them functioning. Low oil levels = low protection.

In addition, you may want to consider running up to 15w50 oil to further boost the oil pressure in the warm weather months. Recent data in the oil stability thread is showing the advantage on the track. If it works on the track in extreme conditions, it will translate to the street. I have historically run 5w40 on the track and street, but am seriously considering this change going forward after seeing the data.

Obviously if you track your car, there is more you want to do to further mitigate risks. But the reality of the M96 engine is that its pretty damn durable on the track and street if you do the right things to it.

tommelton

I ran the X51 style baffle in my 2003 - pretty much the exact same as in the video posted above. I still had pressure loss in right hand sweepers on the road (not track) - and not at that high of a speed - perhaps 45 on a road that is marked 35.

I installed one of Skip's UIDS - and the pressure drop on the same right hand sweeper is gone.

-Tom

GC996

Yep, UIDS will fix it.

Add in UAOS track version with an extra quart of oil, good water/oil cooling and consistent oil changes with good oil and you have mitigated a good portion of the m96 oil pressure/stability risks, as well as mitigate the risk of intermix amd hydrolock.

In addition, add to the formula above a fresh set of fuel injectors and proper start-up and runing procedures and you can help mitigate the risk of bore scoring.

Lastly, run the LN Retro or Solution and you can mitigate the risk of imsb failure.

One more: make sure you keep your water pump fresh by changing it every 5-7 years. This will prevent the risk of a plastic bit breaking off on the fin and getting stuck in the engine causing excessive heat build up and cracking.

Pretty easy to mitigate the risks within the M96 and make it durable as hell.