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Welcome back to the TurdBird. This time the bird lubrication system feels the rage from the angle grinder. One of the more challenging things with putting a naturally sideways engine straight, is the oil pan or the crossmember. Depends on how you see the world. For me it was the oil pan that was in the way of the crossmember. So it will need “some” chopping.
Some of you out there might be afraid of cutting into the heart of the lubrication system. But you don’t need to be scared at all, cutting things with a good cutoff wheel is fun. Probably on the top 10 list of fun things to do in the garage.
On the other hand, getting it all back together, that is a question for the future. One of the annoying things with SAAB engines is that they have a low hanging pipe in the pan under the crank. The other thing is that the oil filter housing is a separate part on the block…located right in my crossmember. That housing went right in the trash, useless crap.
Conclusion
What I needed was a slim fit oil pan with a rear sump for a SAAB. Just go to the local part store and buy one….not. Why? Well it does not exist. Building one will be required. Why do I always buy so wired engines?. The work has at least begun. I always have the design drawings in the back of my head ready to use on a rainy day. The Final design has not yet be decided but one thing is for sure, it will have a rear sump.
Stay tune for part 2, where I will show you the final product and the way to get there. Turn on your favorite music and enjoy the love between a grinder and an oil pan below.
