we literally just had this conversation at LOG in the tech session. Every two years. They sit in the oil and are rubber, they need to be replaced. Not BS.

 

Yip, not BS. Valid.

 

Thank you for the information! I tried to look it up in the search, but didn't see anything. Could have been my wording. Thank you for clearing it up.

 

The site search leaves much to be desired. Use G search and end your search argument with lotustalk
Oil pan baffles lotustalk

 

Just STUPID design!!!! Change to a better oil pan and be done with it

 

Not a fan - will likely go to Moroso and add an oil temp gauge while I'm in there.

 

Any recommendations on an aftermarket oil pan with permanent baffles versus ones that need to be changed every two years? I will be pulling the oil pan irregardless because of an oil leak.

 

Komo tec is selling one from Moroso.

 

There is an aftermarket pan with metal baffles (forget who makes it) but pulling the pan to replace the rubber ones looks pretty straight forward and I plan on doing it in a couple months. And not to start a warranty discussion, but I would highly suggest you replace them on time and with the factory ones while you are under factory warranty. After that, maybe look into the metal ones.

 

MWR Moroso Oil Pan - Lotus Evora, Exige V6, Toyota 2GR-FE V6

Fits all Evora models, Exige V6 models and all Toyota models equipped with the 2GR-FE. Does not fit RWD Lexus models or later model Toyota/Lexus 2GR-FKS models (direct injected). No other parts required for installation - mounting studs, nuts and sealing o-ring are included. Built exclusiv

www.monkeywrenchracing.com

 

Someone correct me if i'm wrong, but is this only an issue with the GT model? I believe the NA, S, 400 do not have baffled pans and thus no rubber that could go bad or need replacing?

 

It’s mind boggling how a new car could require a replacement part like this after only 2 years!

 

NA and S do not have them. 400? not sure. The 400 service manual (section EP.15 p.40) shows the baffled pan but refers to the "Evora GT 430 model range".

 

Well I haven't starved after 80 +++ days and I think I've pulled a few G's.....

 

What does starved sound or feel like?

 

Was also at LOG when they discussed this, someone had asked about the moroso pan but Dave advised against using anything non-oem for being such a crucial part of the engine, there's no real guarantee that it'll be safe to use (besides Dave advocating for Lotus only parts). I've read the forums on the pan and it seems that folks have had fitment issues since the pan is larger than the OEM one and it makes contact with the headers so the headers require to be wrapped to prevent overheating the pan. So i'll personally be staying away from it. I will be on the look out for a red pan though to replace mine.
But I can confirm all pre-GT models don't have the baffle pan. If you track often, and I mean seriously, it might be worth looking into it. But might not be worth it for casual HPDE goers like myself. I haven't had any issues though after 4 track days as well as other 400 owners. Dave said that only one track day is enough to need one.

 

Good point! And point taken! Just think it is silly that a plastic or rubber flaps in the OE oil pan need to be replaced every two years or 18k miles. Would think someone would come up with something better and less invasive than removing an oil pan every two years. I see it as wearing out the threads on the studs! In the Navy it was called P.MS. planed.scheduled. maintenance. And it wore things out from doing maintenance!!

 

Many firearms have more wear from cleaning than using.

Maybe someone will come up with a better replacement.

 

Ultrasonic cleaner combined with a water soluble phosphate- and caustic-free alkaline liquid cleaner can fix that.

 

If your oil pan is red, it has the internal baffling with the rubber gates. Rubber does deteriorate when sitting in hot oil so yep, this is a maintenance item. There are five rubber gates and they are about $10 ea. from Lotus. These flaps are used in all sorts of race engines and most road-race shops will carry them--they'll be cheaper but I would spend the extra couple bucks-a-piece to maintain your car's good standing & warranty with Lotus.

 

Can always count on Sherman to come in with the knowledge. 400's do not have the red oil pan. They are on GT's only.

 

If the gates/baffles rotate to open/close based on G forces, why couldn't they be made out of something that doesn't deteriorate in oil, like aluminum or some nylons? Do they need some amount of flotation?

 

Baffled pans made with alloy gates are common... they usually have a really small coil spring to keep the gate closed and the sloshing oil is enough pressure to open the gate and let oil back to the pickup tube.

The downside to these are springs breaking which--although rare--will leave a small metal thing floating around the oil. Rubber flaps are much better for well maintained race engines.

 

Bumping this thread with a couple of questions...I went to do an oil change on the Evora yesterday and found that there is a small oil leak at the oil pan. So I'm thinking this would be a good time to replace those baffles if I'm going to remove the pan anyway to fix the leak. My questions:

1 - Does anyone know the part number(s) I need for those baffles on my '21 GT? Can't seem to locate them on the online parts store.
2 - Am I the only one who wonders what kind of damage might be occurring in our engines due to this design? If the rubber will break down, that means it will be in the oil, making it's way through the engine. Can't be good for it.

Thanks!
Mike

 

Interesting Mike,

The last time I changed my oil I noticed some oil seepage from the oil pan seal too. I have planned to drop the pan and change the baffles on mine at the next oil change as well. Anyone have any experience on how difficult it is to get the "glued-on" oil pan off the engine? Sometimes it can be very difficult to get a pan like this off without damage to the pan flange.

Kevin

 

Is this what you are looking for?

2021 Lotus Evora Gate flap - baffled sump (fp). Engine, fed - A702E0004F | Lotus Parts Online, Birmingham MI

Gate flap - baffled sump (fp). Engine, fed, gt. 2021 Lotus Evora. Genuine Lotus Part - A702E0004F. Ships from Lotus Parts Online, Birmingham MI

www.lotuspartsonline.com

 

Is this what you are looking for?

2021 Lotus Evora Gate flap - baffled sump (fp). Engine, fed - A702E0004F | Lotus Parts Online, Birmingham MI

Gate flap - baffled sump (fp). Engine, fed, gt. 2021 Lotus Evora. Genuine Lotus Part - A702E0004F. Ships from Lotus Parts Online, Birmingham MI

www.lotuspartsonline.com

Looks like it! Thanks!
Mike

 

Pity no one has invented an oil resistant rubber yet.....

Wonder what material they use on the bottom of the oil cap. Or on the valve stem seals. Or oil cooler lines.

Fooking stupid
My opinion on moving gates:
Usually starvation is directional, right only left only, accelerating uphill whatever. When you return to static, there is about nothing that is going to keep the oil away from the pickup
Shape that top baffle so it directs oil to the pickup and minimize the 4 other holes. Fixed baffles. Moving gates are gates that might not move.
I actually think this is the issue, I don't think the rubber decays particularly , but they want them looked at to ensure proper operation, and who in their right mind is going to take the pan off and not have the replacement gates in hand with the car on the lift.

 

who in their right mind is going to take the pan off and not have the replacement gates in hand with the car on the lift.

Exactly why I'm asking today. Of course, the car is on the lift already with the oil drained. If I can't get these baffles in the next few days I will do exactly that - reseal the pan without the replacement parts in hand. Not so much because I'll be driving the car soon (Illinois winter and all), but because my lift can't be occupied for weeks.

You've got me thinking I should order 10 instead of 5...for next time.

Mike

 

I do wonder if these baffles will be a thing forever questioned about these cars as they age. "Were the baffles changed on the correct interval?" "When was the last time they were changed?"

 

I definitely think this will be one of those things that is overlooked and will be questioned on cars later on. I just did mine and can see why some people would pass or some shops just "say " it was done. Also curious is these are on the Emira. I will say, someone needs to make a oil pan gasket if we have to pull it of every two years.

 

They make a tool for that, Kev.

 

Yes, I know. I've never been a big fan of those tools, for fear they will gouge the sealing surfaces as you hammer them between the pan and the engine block. On the last steel pan I replaced (on my Nissan Frontier) I got lucky and it came loose with just a few light taps with a plastic hammer. Was hoping the Lotus pan would come off that easily too, but I'll for sure have the cutter tool on hand.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

I don't get why they aren't metal flaps on a hinge. I wouldn't think you need a water tight seal. Just needs to keep most of the oil in position A during a 1-2 second corner.

 

There is obviously someone's job at Lotus to figure out how to make a Japanese engine leak. Took them a few years with the Evora, but they will get it done.

 

A thought.......if all Evoras previous to GT were without baffles, and most remained so could one just remove them from GT? Engine oiling circuit essentially same?? Short of concern from HPDE/racing what's to lose?
Wilhelm Raceworks shows data on the problem under varying driving and seems minimal unless aggressive, and somewhat mitigated by slight overfill.......?
Just a thought, while sitting under the shade tree......

 

I'd think the baffling in the red "GT" oil pan is designed around having the rubber flaps installed, so I imagine it's not a good idea to leave them out, even for street driving. I plan to replace my baffle "flaps" soon, since I want to reseal the pan anyway. If it turns into a big PITA job, I'll look into switching to the earlier oil pan (which I assume is a standard Toyota part) in a couple of years.

Kevin

 

This is my problem with moving gates as a concept. When they are gone, or get stuck open[an unlikely but not impossible event] then the engine is worse off than if left alone. I think a baffle can be designed without moving parts.