Hot Rod Oil Pan Options: Sbf 33 Ffr Guide

The Factory Five Racing (FFR) '33 Hot Rod is a high-performance kit car based on the iconic 1933 Ford coupe and roadster body styles. FFR is known for its Cobra replicas and component car kits, and the '33 Hot Rod is designed to offer a modern take on the classic hot rod, with improved performance, handling, and safety. The car features a range of engine options, including Ford's 4.6L Cobra engine and small-block Ford configurations such as the 289/302 and 351. With various suspension, brake, and body options available, the FFR '33 Hot Rod can be customized to the owner's preferences. When it comes to oil pans for this vehicle, options include wet sump and dry sump designs, with manufacturers such as Vincent Performance, AVIAID, Canton, and Kevco offering products specifically designed for the SBF engines used in the FFR '33 Hot Rod.

SBF Fabricated Aluminum Oil Pans

SBF fabricated aluminium oil pans are designed for Small Block Ford engines. They are available in both wet sump and dry sump configurations, with a range of different sizes and capacities to fit specific SBF engine applications.

Wet sump oil pans feature a design that allows the oil to be stored in the pan itself, with an external oil pump freeing up space for improved pan design, reduced crank drag, and better oil control, resulting in increased horsepower. Vincent Performance, in collaboration with Stef's Fabrication Specialties, offers a range of SBF 302 and 351 wet sump oil pans with different sump locations, depths, and quart capacities to suit various Small Block Ford engines. These pans are designed with features such as internal baffles, trap doors, and windage-reducing baffle plates to enhance oil control and maximise horsepower.

Dry sump oil pans, on the other hand, are designed for applications where the oil is stored in a separate tank. Stef's Fabrication Specialties offers SBF fabricated aluminium dry sump oil pans for Dart, SVO, and World 302 and 351 blocks, with a depth of 7 inches. These dry sump pans are designed to work with external oil pump drive systems.

Canton Racing Products also offers high-performance Ford oil pans, boasting superior oil control baffling systems, windage trays, and designs that maximise the effectiveness of the oiling system, resulting in improved engine protection and horsepower gains.

When choosing an SBF fabricated aluminium oil pan, it is essential to consider the specific engine application, including the engine size, sump location requirements, and desired oil capacity. These factors will ensure the optimal performance, oil control, and horsepower gains for your Small Block Ford engine.

Wet Sump Road Race Oil Pans

Wet sump oil pans can be fabricated from materials like steel or aluminum, and they may feature finishes like clear zinc or black powder coating. These pans typically include provisions for dipsticks and magnetic drain plugs, facilitating maintenance and oil level monitoring. The capacity of these oil pans can vary, usually ranging from around 6 to 9 quarts, to ensure adequate oil volume for the specific engine and application.

One notable manufacturer of wet sump road race oil pans is AVIAID, which has been in the business since the early 1960s. They have produced pans for various racing series, including Formula 5000, Can-Am, and Trans Am. Their pans are renowned for pushing the limits of wet sump capabilities, and they offer complete assemblies with features like windage trays, scrapers, and custom pickups.

Canton vs Kevco oil pans

When it comes to oil pans, Canton and Kevco are two popular options, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:

Canton Oil Pans:

Canton Racing Products is known for its high-performance Chevrolet oil pans, which offer superior oil control baffling systems, windage trays, and designs that maximize the efficiency of the oiling system. Canton oil pans are often recommended for autocross and road racing due to their effectiveness in protecting the engine and freeing up horsepower. However, some users have reported issues with warped bolt rails, poor customer service, and leaking pans, which have resulted in mixed reviews for the brand.

Kevco Oil Pans:

Kevco offers a range of oil pans suitable for various applications, including street, drag, road race, and circle track. They are known for their precise fit and excellent oil control. Users have praised Kevco oil pans for their quality, ease of installation, and competitive pricing. Additionally, Kevco's customer service has received positive feedback for being responsive and helpful. However, some users have reported issues with leaking at spot weld joints, which is something to keep in mind.

Comparison:

Both Canton and Kevco oil pans have their pros and cons. Canton oil pans may offer superior performance in terms of oil control and horsepower gains, but they come with a higher price tag and a risk of warped bolt rails. On the other hand, Kevco oil pans are more affordable, provide a good fit, and have excellent customer support. Considering the mixed reviews for Canton and the overall positive feedback for Kevco, budget-conscious buyers may lean towards Kevco as a more reliable and cost-effective option.

In conclusion, the choice between Canton and Kevco oil pans depends on specific needs, budget, and individual experiences. While Canton may offer higher performance in certain aspects, Kevco provides a strong alternative with its quality products and responsive customer service, making it a preferred choice for those seeking value for money.

Front or rear oil sumps

The FFR Cobra can use either a front or rear sump oil pan. The rear sump pans have longer pickups and therefore a greater distance from the oil pump. The front sump pans have shorter pickups, but g-forces pull the oil to the rear under hard acceleration. Front sump pans are also usually cheaper.

If the deep part of the pan (the sump) is towards the front of the engine, it's a front sump; if it's towards the back, it's a rear sump. Generally, 2WDs have front sump pans, while 4x4s have rear sumps.

AVIAID manufactures wet sump road racing pans for SBF 289/302 & 351W. They also make rear sump external wet sump pans for the same engines.

Vincent Performance also makes front and dual sump oil pans for the 302 Small Block Ford and 351W Small Block Ford engines.

FFR hot rod engine options

The FFR '33 Hot Rod is designed to be a modern take on the classic hot rod, with improved performance, handling, and customisation options. The car is offered as a kit by Factory Five Racing (FFR), who are known for their Cobra-style kits and performance-based Cobra replicas.

The FFR '33 Hot Rod kit includes everything except the engine, transmission, rear-end, wheels, tyres, paint, and a few other small items. The body is a hand-laid vinylester composite, 3" wider than the original, with enlarged rear wheel wells and a lower stance. The frame is an all-new design, made of high-strength carbon steel tubing and plate steel, with a unique design that delivers torsional rigidity, increased cockpit space, and safety features such as front and rear crumple zones.

The FFR '33 Hot Rod can accommodate a range of engines, including:

• Ford small block V-8 power: 289/302, 351, 4.6L, or the new 5.0L Coyote
• Chevy small block and LS series engines
• Hemi (with an optional installation)

The transmissions that are compatible with the FFR '33 Hot Rod include:

• T-5 (Ford or GM)
• T56 (Ford or GM)
• 700R4, 4L60, 4L65 (GM)
• TKO, 3550, or AOD

With minor driveshaft modifications, other transmissions such as the TH350, C4, C6, 700R4, and 4L60E can also be installed.

The rear suspension options include a solid axle or independent rear suspension. The solid axle options are the Factory Five 4-link (standard) or 3-link (optional) suspension, both of which are proven designs lifted from FFR's Challenge Series Racers. The independent rear suspension option provides a smoother ride and higher performance.

The FFR '33 Hot Rod offers a unique blend of modern performance and classic hot rod style, with a wide range of engine and transmission options to suit different preferences and requirements.

Frequently asked questions