So what was supposed to be just an oil pan gasket snowballed into a 3 week "while I'm in there" project.



We want to keep this car for a really long time so I thought it would be a good idea to address a few weak points on the car.
The oil pan removal was pretty strait forward: move a bunch of stuff out of the way do the oil pan can be removed.
I got an engine support bar from Harbor Freight for around $60 after using a 25% coupon.



It worked really well and a good solid unit.

Partial pile of parts to go in



Parts removal pile is growing



Dropped the crossmember onto a floor jack and unbolted the the steering rack. It was much easier this way. I supported the rack with some bungies. I didn't remove the steering column joints ( thanks for the tip Vas)



I completely removed the crossmember with the lower control arms still attached.



I was amazed that after 141k hard miles, my lower control arms were in almost perfect shape with no real play in any of the joints. I probably could of gotten another 40k out of them but they're getting replaced because... While I'm in there...
Also, my motor mounts were in perfect shape. I was really surprised by this. I thought for sure after all the milage, hard driving, track day and drag strip runs that they'd be shot. They're getting replaced too.

oil pump removed:



I replaced the oil pump with a rebuilt Achilles Motorsports pump. This pump a new shaft & sprocket that is keyed differently. It also uses a bolt instead of a nut and is driller for safety wire.


I thought I had some pics of the new pump installed but I don't

This is the famous oil pump nut. Mine wasn't loose at all and took a normal amount of effort to remove.



This shaft sometimes shears off too.



You can see the original oil pump and sprocket hanging down in this pic. Replacement is just like replacing any other part. You just need to prime the pump with oil before installing it.



As long as the oil pan was out, I decided to install a baffle.
Here's the original baffle



I drilled out the rivets and pryed it off.

Test fitting the VAC baffle



I had a few issues getting it to fit properly but when I sent it to the machine shop for hot tank and welding, it fit perfectly. I have no idea what I was doing wrong





Reinstallation of the oil pan was uneventful. There were two bolts/holes that I had to retap. I used a BMW gasket and used standard Silicone goo to seal up the seams in the front and back where the timing chain cover joins the block. I forget what the seam is in the back.

More to come...