I know VAC and Bimmerworld have baffled pans, but was considering an accumulator instead to protect against starvation on prolonged turns. Anybody have one?
Has anyone fitted an oil accumulator to an N54?
- Thread starter Davidwarren
- Start date
Are you talking about a dry sump set up? I've looked into it but haven't found ANYONE who makes one for the N54
No. An accumulator is an in-line reserve after the pump to maintain pressure. It’s basically a big can that maintains the correct oil pressure.
Oh i see what you mean. I haven't heard of any issues with the N54 starving for oil but then i don't track my car. Also don't know where you'd install that accumulator, it's pretty big.
Yeah, that one is huge. A canton two quart one is 12 inches by 4.5 inches. I'm thinking it would fit above the manifold with hot side inlets.
I'm going to go with a no on that since 90% of this particular community is into straight line performance, not road course style racing
its a great idea though
Very interesting. I've never seen this before. How fragile is that tank? Or is the clear just for the demonstration?
clear is just for demonstration.
I've used many accusumps on plenty of builds. The only that really needed one is the LS.
But I also don't drive my n54 car the way I drive my other race cars, so I haven't ever had an oil pressure problem yet.
I've used many accusumps on plenty of builds. The only that really needed one is the LS.
But I also don't drive my n54 car the way I drive my other race cars, so I haven't ever had an oil pressure problem yet.
ahh...i am glad someone asked this question...
it's something i would be interested after a dual oil cooler install to compensate for lowered oil pressure...
but then i am too lazy to even install an oil pressure gauge to check current pressure so...i don't have a reading yet
i searched a bit on this before and the closest thread i found was it being installed on a n52
linky
it's something i would be interested after a dual oil cooler install to compensate for lowered oil pressure...
but then i am too lazy to even install an oil pressure gauge to check current pressure so...i don't have a reading yet
i searched a bit on this before and the closest thread i found was it being installed on a n52
linky
See my thread in the N55 section about spun bearings on track... I installed an accusump on my rebuild. Tucked a 3qt between the charge-pipe and the intake box. It fits perfectly. Not sure if it would fit there with the N54 stock airbox or some of the aftermarket filters though.
Accusump was plumbed into the top port of the return side of the oil filter housing (return from oil cooler). It would be ideal to put a check-valve on the oil cooler return line, but, the oil filter should prevent oil from flowing backwards toward the sump when the accusump releases it.
I got an electric valve and wired it to a switch so that the accusump doesn't do anything on the street. My only issue is that if I use the accusump to build oil pressure prior to cranking then the dme throws a code (again it's N55) and puts the oil pump into a fail-safe mode that sends excessive oil to the engine. Hopefully there is a way to tune that check out. Otherwise, it works as advertised. Getting the oil level right was a bit tricky. I ended up overfilled a few times which caused some issues.
Definitely checked the leakdown on the air side for SEVERAL days to ensure there is absolutely NO leakage. If you lose pressure on the air side the accumulator won't work.
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What about a pendulum style setup for dual pickups that shuts the side opposite the g force but when hanging allows both open ,this way can use dual pickups on each side and whatever way car banks that pickup is forced to be used.
What about fore/aft movement (acceleration/braking)?
I would look into doing what another user did and install an electronic pump that pulls oil form the front of the pan and dumps it back into the rear sump. That is basically how BMW handles oiling on the M2. I watched a few youtube videos of those oil pumps and the seem to be loud as shit
Cheap and easy solution to oiling problems though...
I did see your thread! It won’t fit there in my n54 because I have a bunch of stuff there- dual catch cans, BOV, etc... I’m planning on mounting it under the rear shelf right now. My 335 is pretty much just a track car now. I’m going to start with just the manual valve for starters and just open and shut it for each run session. I have a one way flapper valve to keep it from back charging the lines. I have an external oil thermo, so it will be pretty easy to tie in. I’m going to use a t fitting at the oil return with one leg running to the accumulator.
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I don't think their are any starvation issues with our pan design for accel in either direction. Also starvation is mainly an issue which happens on r comp and long high g turns.
Starvation is absolutely a problem with the stock pan on road course if going fast enough.
Been looking into a baffled pan since mine has to come off for gasket change. Any thoughts on the VAC vs Bimmerworld baffles?
Afraid I'm not familiar with BW design, but baffled oil pans are not particularly complicated and BW certainly knows how to build race cars!
Neil
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