Andy G. Is there any chance you can find out if they are talking about a specific version of the car/engine. I ask because I did hear a similar comment but it was with respect to the 4.8 more than the others.
The 4.4 286 (Series1) had camshafts, non variable.
The 4.4 330bhp (Series 2&3) had variable inlet which was oil driven and had a collector in the sump to drive it. Not known for having oil supply problems.
The Series 4/Max/Coupe/SS/5 had the 360bhp engine which had the bigger sump and double vario-cam which did need a good pressured oil feed.
I have heard of a few 4.8 sump poundings resulting in starvation. I am on my third sump on the Coupe now. You DO know when you hit something!
As Peter mentions the oil filter house also gets a good grinding in some cases. They then have to grind it off as the but gets the wear.
I would not say this is impractical compared to any other high performance car and far better than many, it just needs to be treated with a bit of respect and care on sharp kerbs, gate mounts etc.
Next time I spank it a sump guard will be going on at the same time. Both items are not cheap but far cheaper than a new 4.8 short engine.
Alistair
A few more details about the Australian car :
Car 2008 Aero Series 4 automatic
18 months to fix
Mechanic's report "Engine had failed due to no oil supply caused by dent in sump blocking oil pickup. Found piston had hit cylinder head after con rod had run its bearing".
Others know more about the Aero the line than I , but I think that 2008 would be a Series 2 or 3?
The UK competition cars that ran bearings during track outings were both Series 1 cars.
Again I would agree that the vast majority of cars are reliable and giving great service to their owners, but this does appear to be quite a serious design flaw that could happen to anybody, and a decent sump guard must rate as an essential modification.
