I saw this link over on hybridz and am curious. http://www.crank-scrapers.com/products/Datsun%20-%20Nissan.html

What do you guys know and think about crank scrapers? After reading a bit on the site above it sounds like a good investment for the price...but then again they are the ones selling them so that's what they want you to think.

Hey TexasZ, from what I've read, a good crank scraper can free up some extra horsepower. If its a good design and can be mounted really close to the crank throws it'd be a good idea. I'm always concerned about drilling mounting holes in the main cap webs to hold it on though. Cracks can develop if the machining process isnt done right. Although it looks like your linked product is held on by the main cap bolts which seems to be a good idea. I wonder if any member has put one on their L24/26/28?

I'd have to have some hard numbers and reliability tests before I spent the money.

My .02

Chris

Allan, Chris is correct! A crank scraper does nothing more than basically wipe away the oil accumulated on the end of the crank throw, reducing rotational mass and freeing up a little HP.

Hi,

I saw some hits on our site from your members and thought I'd comment...

The blocks for the Datsun scrapers were lent to us by local SCCA racers. One of them had the Datsun competition pan for the straight six in the Z (nice piece, btw) and it has crank scraper louvers in it. When people ask whether stock cars need them or can benefit from them one of the best examples to point to is the Nissan VG30TT which has at least 7 different scraper devices in its pan in addition to a windage tray, sump baffle and pan kick-out. Many other stock engines use them (the Ford 4.6 V8, for example, uses four scraper devices in addition to a windage tray).

We just heard back from a Honda racing team that tested the D16 scraper -- they got back between 1.5% and 3% hp depending on the rpm. Many people felt that because of the massive girdle structure on the D16 that windage losses would not be significant. (The VG30 also has a massive girdle structure, btw.) On the site, we show the dyno chart for the little 993cc Metro engine -- it regained 3% hp even while having a full windage tray.

There are some other enthusiasts in our area that plan on lending us Datsun Roadster blocks (1600cc through 2000cc) so hopefully those will be available soon. If you are in the area (FL) and see some apps missing and have a spare engine you can lend us, please contact us.

My wife, Samantha, and I really enjoy meeting car enthusiasts and hopefully we can make available this little part to make your engine that much better.

Kind regards,

Kevin Johnson

Ishihara-Johnson Crank Scrapers

Hey TexasZ, from what I've read, a good crank scraper can free up some extra horsepower. If its a good design and can be mounted really close to the crank throws it'd be a good idea. I'm always concerned about drilling mounting holes in the main cap webs to hold it on though. Cracks can develop if the machining process isnt done right. Although it looks like your linked product is held on by the main cap bolts which seems to be a good idea. I wonder if any member has put one on their L24/26/28?

I'd have to have some hard numbers and reliability tests before I spent the money.

My .02

Chris

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the reply to this thread. Its nice to see suppliers get involved in a discussion. I for one would consider trying your product on my L28. Three percent sounds pretty good for fifty bucks. When I'm ready to take my pan down, I'll send you my info and some cash. I see you take Paypal, that works for me.

Sincerely,

Chris Abbott

Yes, 3% on a statically mounted engine. I think higher numbers would be the case for an engine in a moving car with sloshing oil. I would not want to claim over 5% in any event because then TUV would be a problem in Germany.

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the reply to this thread. Its nice to see suppliers get involved in a discussion. I for one would consider trying your product on my L28. Three percent sounds pretty good for fifty bucks. When I'm ready to take my pan down, I'll send you my info and some cash. I see you take Paypal, that works for me.

Sincerely,

Chris Abbott

Keep us tuned Chris

Well, I've just ordered mine and can provide pix or other info after I get it if anyone is interested.

I anxiously await your findings!

Will

Well, I've just ordered mine and can provide pix or other info after I get it if anyone is interested.

...and!

Please tell me you have had time to check it out!

Will

Will, it's amazing how life changes...

Since I bought the car in '03 I have had two children and a major career change all resulting in far less time and money than I had when I started. No worries though, I am NOT getting rid of the car nor giving up on it...my plans have just been drawn out a bit longer than expected.

In short, no I have not got the new engine to put this in and test yet.

Amazing how my responses folow yours!

re-read your your post and apply it from me-I more than inderstand, I resemble!

Will