The 13B Oil Pan: Are All Pans Created Equal?

The 13B oil pan is an automotive part designed for Mazda 13B engines. It is made of cast aluminium and features a wet sump with a capacity of 6.25 quarts. The oil pan is designed to fit a range of vehicles, including the 1981-1984 Toyota Starlet, the 1964-1987 Toyota Corolla, and the 1971-1973 Datsun 1200. While the basic function of the oil pan remains the same across different vehicles, there may be variations in the specific design and dimensions to accommodate the unique characteristics of each car model.

Characteristics and Values of 13B Oil Pans

Moroso 13B Street Strip Oil Pan 20942

The Moroso 13B Street Strip Oil Pan (20942) is an aluminium oil pan designed for street/strip Mazda 13B engines. It features a rugged 3/8" thick billet aluminium gasket rail with an integral cross-brace that serves as a girdle to strengthen the engine assembly. The enlarged sump increases capacity to 6.25 quarts (with a stock oil cooler installed) and only .250" additional depth for ample ground clearance.

The oil pan includes a magnetic drain plug with an extra copper washer, and a pan mounting kit with hex-drive steel studs to eliminate stripping the engine block. It also accommodates the stock pan gasket and dipstick with modification. The Moroso 13B Street Strip Oil Pan is suitable for various vehicles, including the 1981-1984 Toyota Starlet, the 1964-1987 Toyota Corolla, and the 1971-1973 Datsun 1200.

The product has received positive reviews, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It is praised for its functionality, with one reviewer stating that it "fits a Mazda 13B rotary with aluminium". The oil pan is also noted for its wet sump, measuring 6.25 quarts, and its dual trap door baffles.

The Moroso 13B Street Strip Oil Pan is a high-quality product that offers improved performance and durability for Mazda 13B engines. With its aluminium construction, cross-brace design, and enlarged sump, it is a reliable choice for both street and strip applications.

13B-REW Cast oil pan

The 13B-REW cast oil pan is designed for the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8 models. It is made of cast aluminium and features a deep sump that holds an extra quart of oil compared to the standard pan. The pan uses an exclusive O-ring seal design to eliminate leak-prone paper gaskets. The thicker pan rails and strong sidewalls cast as a single unit increase the overall strength of the engine, adding a torsionally strong box structure to the bottom of the motor and helping to eliminate rotor housing shift. This design offers significantly more rigidity than plate-type lower reinforcements.

The aluminium casting provides a high stiffness-to-mass ratio, keeping weight down while effectively dissipating heat through the finned bottom. While the oil level sender mounting location has been eliminated, an internal baffle can be used to add a sender to the side of the pan if desired. The kit includes all the necessary hardware, such as the O-ring, two drain plugs, longer motor mount bolts, and pan bolts, as well as installation instructions. It is worth noting that the thicker pan rails will raise the motor by approximately 5/16" (8 mm), but this should not affect the shifter or driveline. However, adjustments to strut bars and intercooler piping may be required.

There are also alternative options for the 13B-REW oil pan available from other manufacturers, such as the Banzai Racing Low Profile Oil Pan Kit and the Moroso 20942 Oil Pan. The Banzai Racing kit is designed to allow the installation of the Mazda RX-7 engine into the RX-8 chassis, utilising the RX-8 oil level sending unit and retaining the 13B-REW factory motor mount brackets. It features a laser-cut and TIG-welded construction, with a black e-coating. The kit includes a low-profile oil pan, an aluminium baffle plate, a modified RX-8 oil pickup tube, and the necessary studs, nuts, and bolts.

The Moroso 20942 Oil Pan for Mazda 13B engines is another option available for drag race or street use. It has a wet sump design with a capacity of 6.25 quarts and a depth of 4 inches. It includes dual trap door baffles, a billet rail, a magnetic drain plug, and a mounting kit. This oil pan is suitable for the Mazda 13B rotary engine with aluminium construction.

Oil Pan Gasket, 13B 74-85

The 13B engine is a rotary engine manufactured by Mazda and used in a variety of their vehicles. The oil pan gasket is a critical component of the engine, providing a seal between the oil pan and the engine block. Leaking oil pan gaskets are a common issue with the 13B engine, often caused by age, high mileage, or improper maintenance.

The Oil Pan Gasket, 13B 74-85, is a direct replacement for the original gasket on Mazda 13B engines from model years 1974 to 1985. It is designed to fit the unique specifications of the 13B engine and ensure a proper seal to prevent oil leaks. This gasket is crafted from high-quality materials that can withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures of the engine.

When replacing the oil pan gasket, it is essential to follow the correct procedure to ensure a successful repair. The engine oil should be drained, and the old gasket should be carefully removed, paying attention to any remaining sealant or debris. The mating surfaces of the engine block and oil pan should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any warping or damage.

The new Oil Pan Gasket, 13B 74-85, should be installed with the correct sealant or gasket maker product. It is crucial to torque the oil pan bolts to the manufacturer's specifications in a specific pattern to ensure an even clamp load and prevent leaks. Additionally, other components, such as the oil pan baffle and oil level sensor, should be inspected and replaced if necessary.

By following these instructions and using the Oil Pan Gasket, 13B 74-85, Mazda owners can effectively address oil leaks and restore the proper function of their 13B engine. This replacement gasket offers a reliable and cost-effective solution, ensuring the engine's optimal performance and longevity.

Oil Baffle Plate

When a vehicle is cornering, accelerating, or decelerating, the oil in the oil pan can lean or jump away from the oil pickup tube, causing air to get sucked into the pipe and interrupting continuous oil lubrication. This can lead to metal surfaces coming into direct contact with each other, causing temperatures to rise explosively and resulting in engine wear.

An oil baffle plate is designed to prevent this by stabilising oil pressure inside the engine, preventing oil cavitations in passages, and securely supplying oil pressure to related components. The baffle plate keeps the oil situated around the oil pump pickup, reducing wear and friction under hard acceleration and achieving stable oil lubrication under any conditions.

Tomei has developed a low-cost, high-quality baffle plate that fits factory RB26 oil pans. The Tomei Baffle Plate prevents oil sloshing and improves engine performance, from street use to drag racing or circuit runs.

A universal oil pan baffle plate can also be purchased, which can be customised to suit any shape wet sump oil pan. This product includes a one-way rubber valve that keeps the strainer submerged in oil.

Oil Pan Brace

An oil pan brace is an essential component of an engine, ensuring a leak-free oil pan and preventing costly oil leaks. The brace is designed to provide additional support to the oil pan, reducing the risk of damage and oil loss.

The 13B-RE Oil Pan Brace, for instance, is a purpose-built product designed to fit 13B-RE and 20B engines. This oil pan brace is manufactured in the USA by Banzai Racing and is currently on sale for $35, a discount from its usual price of $40. Banzai Racing offers a range of other engine components, including oil coolers, block-off plates, and engine brackets.

Another option is the Chips Motorsports Rotary Engine Oil Pan Brace, which is designed for all 13B engines, including the 13B-RE and 13B-REW. This product is laser cut and CNC machined for precise fitment. It features countersunk retaining bolt cavities and Torx Stainless Steel hardware, which provides higher torque clamping force compared to non-Torx hardware. The braces are made from 316 Stainless Steel with brushed finishing to prevent rust. Chips Motorsports also offers the option of Titanium Hardware for an additional $120.

For those with a Mazda 13B engine, Moroso offers an oil pan designed for drag racing and street use. This oil pan has a wet sump, a capacity of 6.25 quarts, and a depth of 4 inches. It features dual trap door baffles, a billet rail, a magnetic drain plug, and a mounting kit. It is compatible with Mazda 13B rotary engines with aluminum construction.

The use of an oil pan brace is highly recommended to prevent leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the engine. Leaks can cause damage to the engine and the environment, and repairing leaks can be costly. By investing in a quality oil pan brace, you can have peace of mind and avoid the hassle of dealing with oil leaks.

Frequently asked questions