question about x51 oil pan and baffles
 

Hi Guys - I have a question that I have not found the answer to here, or on RennTech... yet!

I called the dealer, thinking I wanted to order an x51 oil pain for an 02 996 that will see track time. They said the stock drain pan on a 3.6 is the same as the x51 - there is no special part number for an x51 drain pan... yet I see SunCoast sells an "x51 drain pan". Is this just a regular 3.6 pan that people with a 3.4 buy?

I've spoke to two different parts guys at Sunset about this, so I doubt they're wrong, but I just wanted to confirm that the stock 3.6 pan is the same as an x51 pan.

This has been pretty well documented here before with pictures. The stock 3.4 and 3.6 baffles look identical. The kit that Suncoast sells for X51 is really the only way to get the upgraded baffles. Many of us have tried and failed to buy just the baffle without the flat aluminum plate. Keep it as a spare cause now you have two :)

frikin dealers... you think they would know such things. The x51 pans didnt even go in the 997s' more so in the 996.2...

What is that X51 oil pan part number?

Should be 99610724340

FYI - There is a bulletin that shows all the part numbers included for the X51 conversion that any Porsche dealer can pull up on their/Porsche's online computer system.

Or any member of Renntech

The stock oil pan on a 3.6 does have baffles but definitely differs from the X-51. Looking at them side by side the stock baffles look like they would hold more oil in place but there must be a reason for the X51 pan. I did this mod just recently together with an oil change so could compare the baffles first hand. I believe you actually need a secondry scavange pump to get the full advantage???

(photo courtesy of 6speed member)

Excellent - thank you for the pic! They really do look very similar!

As you noted the oil area is slightly larger, but the details are why the X51 pan is better. I'll try to explain this as best as I understand using some pics. I didn't take these, so the credit isn't mine, but I did edit them to illustrate the points. Also, this could be completely wrong and might cause your engine to blow up. ;)

1) X51 has small upright gaskets [noted in red]
Attachment 365779
Attachment 365780

2) When you put the pan on, these mate up to the engine block. [Pan picture has been flipped to show how it would look mounted.]
Attachment 365783

3) The gaskets prevent oil from flowing around the baffles, effectively creating a little pocket of oil that remains close to the oil pickup since oil will ONLY go through the baffle openings. [edit: I am not positive how pronounced (if it exists at all) the oil flow path is around the baffles in the stock version. In any event, I am pretty sure that the oil in that area is not available for pickup
Attachment 365782

4 In the X51 pan, the baffles stay open so that the oil from the returns can flow into the baffle interior. But lateral G's causing backflow will slightly close them, again keeping oil in the "pocket."
Attachment 365781

With all of these things combined, it seems like there is a larger quantiy of oil at the pickup and that oil will stay near the oil pickup longer under cornering. So, although a complete oil scavenge pump may be the best solution, the X51 pan looks to be much better than stock.

-td

Great info, thanks -td

That is exactly the information I was looking for and was unable to find on other sites/locations. Thanks for taking the time! ;)

TD is such a good "splainer"!

Good pics and details but I have a few questions. I have fitted this pan and carefully compared the 2 and how they mate up to the engine block.

Pic 1 shows that the stock pan is almost a complete four sided oil trap. You are right about those extra gaskets on the x51 but comparing how the stock mates up with the block you'll notice that the rounded lower plastic lip does the same thing but just doesn't stick out so far. The oil is still contained to the same depth as the x51 and isn't allowed to flow out at that point. You can see this in your pic 3. Also you will notice that the rear of the trap is enclosed on the stock where as the x51 is open. There is no rubber seal as with the small gaskets. Oil can effectively flow around the rear of the baffle between the edges and engine block wall.

The actual rubber baffles are the same material as on the stock and don't stay open any more so I can't see how that helps either. The wall holes are also the same.

I'm not trying to pick holes but after taking the stock pan off I sat and analysed how this new x51 pan would help prevent oil starvation. I just couldn't see it. I've got a degree in Physics and spent along time researching fluid mechanics and still couldn't exactly 'see it'. In the end I figured the Porsche designers obviously had more knowledge than me and fitted it anyway????

As another option there is this... http://www.bkauto.com/porsche/r9095.php

Instruction download...http://www.bkauto.com/porsche/instructions/R9095.pdf

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Dervish! The "discussion" is appreciated for someone like me contemplating spending the money...