The Elio Engine

[pistonboy]

I just noticed that the oil pan is a casting rather than stamped sheet metal. Maybe this is a temporary until Elio is in production.
[Broken External Image]

Good catch. Casting is more expensive than stamping plus it needs machined surfaces. This goes against the Elio drive to keep cost down. You are probably correct that is temporary until production. It sure looks nice.

 

[Bert]

However, "if" the oil pan is part of the engine blocks structural integrity to retain strength, I'd think it'll stay... IMO

 

[skygazer6033]

I've noticed a number of small aluminum engines have cast oil pans. I think it helps stiffen the block. Since IAV is designing the engine for possible turbocharger at a later date this could be a little bottom end beefup with that in mind.

 

[wheaters]

I hope the cast sump will stay, I do recall reading that it will.
Pressed steel sumps are not good for keeping oil in long term. The edges distort after maintenance and eventually they can become porous with rust (the one on my engine did).

As did the steel rocker cover, now replaced with an expensive ally one.

 

[NSTG8R]

I hope the cast sump will stay, I do recall reading that it will.
Pressed steel sumps are not good for keeping oil in long term. The edges distort after maintenance and eventually they can become porous with rust (the one on my engine did).

As did the steel rocker cover, now replaced with an expensive ally one.

Possibly, a bit better at heat dissipation, especially of they threw some fins on the casting.

 

[wheaters]

Possibly, a bit better at heat dissipation, especially of they threw some fins on the casting.

Yes, the only downside I know of is that a pressed steel sump will tend to give/bend, rather than crack, if given a knock, such as on a rock during off-road use. Although that's a possibility with my Liege, not really an issue for the Elio. in most cases.

 

[Ian442]

Chevy Ecotec 2.2 4 banger motors have a solid oil pan instead of a stamped steel one as well. Thats was the go to 4 banger motor for many many years across the GM landscape until recently. I think even the Polaris Slingshot uses them now.

 

[Edward]

I hope the cast sump will stay, I do recall reading that it will.
Pressed steel sumps are not good for keeping oil in long term. The edges distort after maintenance and eventually they can become porous with rust (the one on my engine did).

As did the steel rocker cover, now replaced with an expensive ally one.

I don't know enough about metal fabrication to say what mine is made of, but that's probably the issue with my Cirrus. I know it's leaking at the seal.

 

[InTheKnow]

Notice the mounting on the side of the oil pan...That's why it needs to be cast, plus it will allow the transmission to bolt up and reduce powertrian bending.

 

[Horn]

I don't know enough about metal fabrication to say what mine is made of, but that's probably the issue with my Cirrus. I know it's leaking at the seal.

The issue is the chrysler badge on the front