GR86 Oil Baffle Installed | Does it work?

I installed Tomei baffle on my GR86 in hope of improving the oil pressure drop under high G's. Does it work as expected? I tested at Sonoma raceway and here's what I found.
Engine oil used was 5w30 Motul 8100
#FA24 #BRZ #GR86 #Baffle

[@pv4083]

I don’t even own a gr86 but I want to thank you for making the effort to make this video. This is valuable to those that it applies

[@cmwfastracer]

This is great to potential buyers who still are interested in the car, but are scared of driving it hard because of the oil pressure issues.

[@johnkeltner6501]

Thanks for the data points on the 2nd Gen! This info is so valuable.

[@oOwillayOo]

Best GR86/BRZ content relative to function, hands down! Thank you for all your hardwork!

[@grperformanceparts]

Thanks for the data and testing the Tomei baffle. I would be interested to see how GReddy's new baffle for the FA24 stacks up against this, they used smaller openings but only has one plate.

[@TrackandBuild]

My guess is between different baffles the difference won't be significant. According to my observations, my theory is the essential cause might be that FA24 has a pretty shallow oil pan due to limited space and the boxer engine does not have a good return flow due to not utilizing gravity. If that's true, baffles can only provide very limit improvement

[@davidgarvin1130]

@@TrackandBuild dry sump?

[@noahlickhalter9528]

@@TrackandBuildso a dry sump or just overfill the oil pan?

[@PocketDrummer]

Between the RTV issue and the obvious oiling issue, Subaru and Toyota are cruising for a class action.

[@aaronbryan5095]

Makes me appreciate what Mazda did to the ND2 Miata even more, since that engine has been designed from the beginning to have stable oil pressure even under high Gs.

[@Stealth_Rider91]

I have first dibs on a Trueno Edition already at my wife's dealership. After seeing all of the issues with the 2.4, I'm going to hold off and keep enjoying my 10 Series. At 107K miles and most of that being track days and mountain pass runs, it's never had one hiccup.

[@AnthonyTrifoglio]

10 Series?

[@Tim._..]

Subaru use to recommend 5 or 10w-40 for heavy loads/towing and even 10w-50 for hot dessert climates and racing for the EJ motors in the car manual, before stricter emissions rules,. This was also for non-turbo and non-performance models. I don't think these motors are much different. I don't know about the 10w-50 because I haven't used it, but I would be using 10w-40 on a daily driver in warm climates or heavy load. Oil level should also always be double checked to see if it is at the full line of the dipstick.

[@hamishbartholomaeus]

I used to run 10w-50 in my Outback in Australia as par for the course. I wasn’t racing it, of course, but I got the car with 100k kms on the clock and offloaded it at 220k kms still purring like a kitten.

[@DriverMD23]

I just found your channel, looking to get second gen 86/BRZ for trackdays in the next couple years (to spare my GTI from track abuse). You're channel is fantastic, plus you drive the nearby tracks to me (Thunder hill, Sonoma etc). Are you an engineer? The data logged and analysis is incredible. You are pretty much doing the real work for my track build. I'll keep an out for you when I'm running at Thunderhill!

[@TrackandBuild]

Thanks! Yes I'm an engineer:) I'll be at the 86 drive challenge event 12.10 at Thunderhill East. Feel free to drop by if you are also there that day!

[@PocketDrummer]

I'd like to see both horizontal and vertical baffles on a pan. There needs to be one way flaps and a column around the pickup to keep the oil around the pickup. A larger capacity pan wouldn't hurt either.

[@TrackandBuild]

the leading theory is that oil got surged into the time chain cover so neither vertical or horizontal baffle would help with that. @900BRZ testing the killerB prototype baffle for that we will find out the result shortly

[@thegirthquake8574]

​@@TrackandBuildTo update the thread, the killer b didn't solve the issue

[@smoothkicks]

Love the channel, you got my sub. I fear for my GR every track event given all the news. Love the live data and in practice application in your vid’s

[@diiaa366]

Amazing data thanks!

[@sikrip]

You really pushed the car on this! Doing 4 laps of 3:30s is like doing 12 laps on my local track! So I guess that even with these oil pressure dips is not common/easy to harm the engine. Maybe the oil cooler helped by keeping the temps on track. Maybe the keeping the oil fresh also helps. In any case, nice job documenting and trying to solve the oil pressure issue.

[@ryanrebensdorf5116]

Thank you for this

[@user-gz7zi1gw7l]

So I have an oil pressure gauge. The can to OBD sensor and race chrono. How are you getting oil pressure? Can you share more details on the device?

[@1kob1]

Excellent test...it's good to see data like this. Novice question. Have you ever tested over filling the pan with the baffle to see if it will reduce the starving at elevation or just in general? Eg..Half quart more oil

[@andreww5773]

We're really starting to enter dry-sump territory here..

[@dubbleA100]

My friend is getting a 2024. Do you think the oil pan baffle + the extra 1/2 qt will help a little more? Do we know of other oil pans coming out? Thanks bro that's a lot of work you've put into this 🙏🏿

[@jeremyjackson8643]

I think just the 1/2 quart more even without the baffle will help a lot. That's what I have heard.

[@KillerBMotorsport]

Any chance you may have interest in testing other oiling and/or baffle products that come to market? Very nice datalogging you've got there :)

[@VinRZ]

Maybe you guys can develop a larger pan?

[@TrackandBuild]

I'm open to concepts that look promising. Let me know if you have any ideas:)

[@KillerBMotorsport]

@@TrackandBuild We have a few things in the works right now :)

[@VinRZ]

@@KillerBMotorsport do you guys have any estimations on release?

[@TheCorington]

​@@TrackandBuild I'm sure you could add an accusump for dirt cheap if oil starvation was a concern. My whole kit for my miata was ~500

[@buntafujiwara3586]

While less than perfect, I think there is at least some peace of mind to be found using this baffle.

[@TrackandBuild]

"better than nothing" is my verdict to these baffles

[@jiananstrackjourney370]

Dry sump here we goes 😂

[@TrackandBuild]

Better solution: get a Porsche! Lol

[@tezzasaurusrex]

Thanks for the video. This might sound dumb but have you tried overfilling the oil by 250-500ml over the top dot and retesting?

[@TrackandBuild]

yep it did not make a significant difference that can be observed from the data.

[@tezzasaurusrex]

@@TrackandBuild thanks for sharing your experience 👍

[@edrcozonoking]

I'll do counterclock racetracks only while someone comes up with a fix

[@TrackandBuild]

No long right sweepers or short shift

[@jesseberry9215]

What if we put the oil pan on a gyroscope?

[@killroy2993]

So an oil pan with trap doors, or a redesigned pickup is the next step, or an oil accumulator

[@TrackandBuild]

I'll be watching what Toyota would do to their GR cup cars since people have been blowing motors too frequently they must come up with a solution somehow

[@hamishbartholomaeus]

Yeah, I would have thought a redesigned pick up would have been the quickest and cheapest fix, and a dry sump the best fix!!😁

[@shaunelee1314]

fantastic video, just subscribed... newer baffle plates comes with one way flaps, example from "REVOLUTION OIL PAN BAFFLE PLATE VERSION 3", would you test that to address the potential oil starvation issue?

[@TrackandBuild]

this one is also a similar horizontal baffle design. I don't think it's gonna make a significant difference but I'd like to see the data reported by its users.

[@trackntrail2869]

Very interesting test. Have you considered overfilling the oil by 0.5 or 1 QT to see if that improves oil pressure?

[@TrackandBuild]

Might help a little bit considering how fast the pump works, which is roughly 0.67L/sec. Will make the 3 seconds drop down to 2 seconds maybe?

[@KillerBMotorsport]

@@TrackandBuild where did you come up with .67L/sec?

[@TrackandBuild]

@@KillerBMotorsport bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/crazy-specs-for-subaru-fa20.301595/ but my calculation seemed to be a little off (I probably used EJ25 data). FA20DIT seems more than than 0.67L/sec

[@KillerBMotorsport]

@@TrackandBuild those are bench specs (open pump), not with a restriction (engine) in place. We have test data (on engine; pressure & flow) and it's nowhere near what the factory bench data shows. It's closer to .15 quarts/second (~8.4 quarts/min) @redline. I wish I could post pics here, I'd share some of our internal oil pump test data. It has pump sizes, shims, different oil levels, etc...

[@TrackandBuild]

@@KillerBMotorsport that's very good to know! I'm very interested in the pictures you are talking about. Is there a place where we can see them? (if not already online, is it possible you post somewhere and share the link here? thanks!)

[@NicholasZak]

Very good video! This type of info is what ive been looking for so thank you. Still debating/waiting to pickup this platform along side with my E92 M3 Track tool to see how these engines hold up. From the looks of it..not too shabby. How many track days do your tires and brake pads last? I love Sub 3klb cars for cost of consumables.

[@TrackandBuild]

This is definitely one of the lowest running cost cars that are still reasonably fast on track. A set of SX2 tires can easily last more than 10 days being driven at very fast pace. Most racing pads also easily last more than 10 days. I've seen people's AP racing rotors last more than 30 days on Gen1 cars. Overall running cost is hard to beat except going with Miata. Bimmers can't even touch that...

[@alimbmedia99]

great video! for the 2 o rings that go in the oil pan, do they go above or below the baffle? i see where they lead to on the block, but having the o rings under the baffle seems to defeat the purpose of them, and putting them above the pan doesn’t seem like it fits right.

[@TrackandBuild]

thanks. I put the o-rings in the pan.

[@jamesinoregon1081]

Very nice science. I took one screenshot and saw your oil temperature is around 212 f. How are you keeping it that low while on the track? I'm usually around 248 Fahrenheit. Also I've never seen data like this and my question/ observation is this. If the oil pick up is always within a lake of oil then why is there any fluctuation at all? Is there a premium built race engine with this type of data for comparison?

[@TrackandBuild]

I have the oil cooler on to keep it around 210F that day. Without the oil cooler, it would be around 250F. Ideally a well oiled race car would keep the oil pressure consistent above certain RPM. Like what's shown in this new stock type R kzbin.info/www/bejne/m57bfKCiidWYhMU The OE oil pressure gauge shows oil pressure was consistently at around 65psi through the whole course even at 240F+ oil temp

[@jamesinoregon1081]

@@TrackandBuild Thank you. Yes interesting. The oil pressure stays very consistent (around 66psi) in that Honda video whether on throttle or not. This makes me wonder if that gauge is giving an averaged pressure? I know that in my 1le camaro the oil pressure would go from 35 in the paddock to 45 at low rpm turns to 75 psi or higher on full throttle depending on engine operating temperature (first lap vs 8th lap). Hmm. would a 0w40 oil help balance it? Is your pressure guage "too sensitive"? Dang I love science and research.

[@TrackandBuild]

@@jamesinoregon1081 oil pressure is supposed to be low when RPM is low (oil pump being driven by the engine). When driving on track (keeping the RPM above e.g. 5000RPM all the time), the oil pressure should be within a stable range

[@escargod]

@@TrackandBuild Both me (2022 BRZ)and my track buddy (2023 BRZ) run 110-120 PSI on cold startup and 80-120 at above 2K RPM when hot. I can't ever remember my temp gauge going past the middle. Who really knows these temps? Seems most are guessing.

[@TrackandBuild]

@@escargod BRZ does not have numerical oil temp readings but GR86 has. A OBDII reader can also read the oil temp on these cars.

[@Iseenoobpeoples]

On the FA20 the pick-up tube needed to be enlarged, I wonder if the OEM part is good on the FA24.

[@TrackandBuild]

The pickup tubes are not exchangeable as far as I know

[@alabdel1388]

Why install something that would confuse the oil?

[@escargod]

I'm laughing... You add directional arrows.

[@thestoningwalrus8613]

I ordered the tomei baffles for my gr86 cause it made sense in my head and heard Toyota uses it for the gr cup cars. Now I’m questioning if it was worth it😔

[@TrackandBuild]

yes it's in the approved part list of the GR86 cup car. From the data I collected, it's just slightly better than nothing.

[@thestoningwalrus8613]

@@TrackandBuild right right. Luckily here in Florida the tracks I go to like Sebring have no elevation change so it should help me a bit. I was taking off the oil pan and figured I might as well get the baffles installed while I’m down there

[@shibaspeed]

@@TrackandBuild Is this approved parts list posted somewhere online, so that I can take a look. All I can find is the brochure for the cup car, which didn't mention the Tomei baffle.

[@blackzoomba7440]

@@shibaspeed toyotagazooracing.com/pages/jpn/contents/86brz/pdf/2022/TGRGR86BRZCUP_0630.pdf

[@1Solace]

So you know if an oil accumulator will help?

[@TrackandBuild]

Adding a new module always has its own risks. Needs carful design and thorough tests to say the least, otherwise it would well be an extra failure point.

[@1Solace]

@@TrackandBuild thanks for the help 🙄

[@itsthemetho]

What oil viscosity are you using? 0W-20, 5W-20 or 5W-30? I note official racing series use Mobile 5W-30 oil. Very cool video and data capture 👍

[@TrackandBuild]

I was running on 5w30 Motul 8100

[@escargod]

It's hard to interpret you lateral G's. Do you have any numbers? What about deceleration (seeing as how KB says the timing cover can load up with surging oil)? I track my 2022 BRZ (see my "Track Day" videos). Among other things, I have a 19 row oil cooler. My AEM 30-4407 0-150 PSI Oil Pressure Gauge is tapping into where the plug was right in front of the throttle body connector. That's a primary gallery or passage to the oil filter? Though I can't keep my eyes on the gauge at all times, when I'm between 2K and 7,500K the pressure is from 80-130 PSI and cold idle is at 113. I run Motul Sport 5-40. I'm hitting 1.3 G's and briefly higher. I run 245/40/17 Goodyear F1 Supercar 3S tires and aero. I run a Catalyst and before an Aim Evo4S. I just don't see low pressure readings. I do intend to data log or at least video the gauge during a future run. I've got 12+ track days on my car and I turn respectable lap times. I'm an ex-SCCA racer. I've a Greddy baffle plate for the next time I pull off the pan. I took it off and found the usually excess of sealant, but none had made it to the inlet yet. Thanks for the video and data!

[@TrackandBuild]

The video has g gauge overlayed in it. I mainly run SX2 tires so about 1.2 max lateral g in corners. I understand it's hard to check the oil pressure gauge values while busy driving that's why I chose to log them. Or like you said, you can simply mount a cam towards the dashboard. Like I did long time ago in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKmsfJ2nqKp7i7M

[@TrackandBuild]

You can also check my community posts to see more visualized oil pressure charts on different tracks.

[@FujiboHeavy]

Great video! I was thinking about installing oil pressure sensor as well! How did you export the data to track addict? (Im also using Track addict/ Race render)

[@TrackandBuild]

I logged data with AIM Solo DL and my DIY device to send oil pressure data to CAN bus

[@FujiboHeavy]

@@TrackandBuild ahhh got it. Love your channel and content! Hope the car treats you well and have fun/be safe!

[@theguywholikescars5359]

How's the FA24 holding up so far? Any noticable knock sensor data? I'm always worried about my GR's reliabilty but your track days alone prove it's actually reliable.

[@TrackandBuild]

I do not have log of knock sensor data but the engine has been holding up fine after 20+ track days

[@miguelm3676]

I shouldn’t purchase a GR86 with that many oil pressure issues Nice style and designs but Toyota and Subaru not taking responsibility for this problem??

[@silvenshadow]

Do you think a different oil viscosity would make a difference here? 15w50?

[@TrackandBuild]

It probably will increase the oil pressure in general but not likely to solve the drop.

[@thechad1708]

What speed are you taking the corner at?

[@beancheung5682]

time for accusump?

[@i-barg]

Knowing what you know now about install and oil pressure improvement? Do you think it's worth it?

[@TrackandBuild]

To me it did not address my biggest concerns. Conclusion is always yours:)

[@i-barg]

​@@TrackandBuild - if you didn't have baffle today would you recommend one or just overfill? If you would what version have you seen most effective?

[@jagymeister]

does Fa20 having same issue?

[@TheDriversPerspective]

What this tells me is that this product probably isn't worth the hassle.

[@TrackandBuild]

It's better than nothing but did not address my biggest concerns. And I can confirm it's a PITA to install lol

[@TheDriversPerspective]

@@TrackandBuild I feel you there. I'm over those types of installs. Keep it up with all the data gathering, really great job.

[@radlad5447]

What oil baffle did you install?

[@TrackandBuild]

Tomei as said in the description

[@obriansmith2141]

Would this mount to the FA20?

[@TrackandBuild]

it won't

[@GF-mf7ml]

Conclusion, Subaru oil pan suck.

[@TheDoctor46vr]

Looks like a baffled sump is hardly worth it

[@TrackandBuild]

Very limited improvement based on my experiment

[@TheDoctor46vr]

​@@TrackandBuildto what extent have you modded the car? (Slicks/semi slicks, coilovers, does the car come with a helical diff?) Do you know what G's you pulled? I have an ST180 that I'm about to potentially spend 11k on including labour, shipping and stamp duty) The last piece of the puzzle would be this if it's necessary. But it doesn't seem to be.

[@TrackandBuild]

@@TheDoctor46vr this experiment was done on tires that pull about 1.25 lateral g. GR86 comes with Torsen LSD. I'm not sure about ST180 since it's a different engine so they could have different causes of oil pressure drop. Baffle does not seem to help much on FA24 but I think you need to log the oil pressure data before/after to be sure.

[@TheDoctor46vr]

@@TrackandBuild thanks mate that's really helpful