& I suppose that the engine-mounted guard will soften any blow by moving the engine on its mounts.
The force needed to move the weight of the whole car on a chassis mount would be several times greater.

Will

I agree the engine mounted item will provide additional protection and especially for the drain plug. It is worth it for that if you get the chance to wriggle around visible items and just need early protection.

My issue is that all three of my replacement sumps have been based on projections not seen in time and so I needed re protection.

Shooter I think you definitely own that award. Given how much each sump has cost me you must have spent a fortune.

... which does make me wonder, Shooter, what was the cost of the *new* suspension?
& by how much did you choose to raise the car?

What's the cost/benefit ratio of sump replacements to adjustable suspension?!

Will

On my series 4 I replaced all the suspension, wishbones, steering rack etc so the bill was quite hefty!

I don't have the final cost for the new suspension yet. I am not looking to raise the car particularly (although a great option for some of the road hazards!). Therefore, the sump issue will remain and will have to decide on the wolf or the chassis mount options.

Blimey......reading all this suggests that you guys have lower sumps than even my 3.0 Roadster!

It is much the same..10cm; the big difference is that the sump pan is pressed steel, not cast alloy. Some have damaged their sump more than once. Tarka has run 31,000 miles and so far the sump is undamaged.

I've no idea why.

It is clear that gated drives pose a special threat, impact with the lower gate stop a real concern. Obviously I don't move in circles where such gates are to be found...

With a steel sump one might think it can take slight impacts...but it can't! It seems that a dent in the wrong place can damage an oil pick up pipe and reduce oil flow.

Genius.

Even though I seem to have been lucky I'm going to fit one of Cain's plates. Cheaper than a new sump pan.

I had a proper look under the engine today.

Hmm.... obviously much more contact with "stuff" than I'd realised...but no damage.

Photos posted on the gallery..
Wolf Plate Ordered..

I thought you used your wheels to take any impacts Peter?

Currently in Sf, I dread to think what would happen to a mog here!

Just to report that Neil has taken filed the plastic nut arrangement off the bottom of the oil filter and changed the oil drain bolt for a dome headed bolt. It is a very strange thread but he found one.

He is now going to see if he can get a billeted Ali one made which will be much stronger and help the oil cooling.

As for the sump guard, he is look at this too. It is possible to fit it to the chassis. It would be good to make it out of ash ply as it would be strong and flexible!