internal engine baffle plate missing - dimensions (engine rebuild in progress)

[AnthonyG]

So i had a chance to have my spare engine rebuilt from a friend that is in an automotive class. the engine is from a 77 280z.

using arp bolts, new bearings, valve job, hot tanked the block then paint... the whole 9 yards (and his grade depends on doing a good job) all for only the cost in parts.

the issue is a part vanished from his parts bin at school

in the block is a baffle plate and cylinder block net (see pic, taken from manual) both are nowhere to be found, and he is in final assembly

i found this thread

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?32932-Need-help-finding-for-the-quot-net-quot-material.....&highlight=engine+baffle+net

that mentions the net, but not a replacement baffle plate. is there a replacement part, or does someone have dimensions so he could fabricate a new one? (also what material is used.)

or alternatively, is it necessary? some places he has checked have reports of people not putting in the net, but still there is the baffle.

I could also retrieve it from the engine in my z now, but I like having a working engine while another is in process. and he says that it is difficult to get so a junkyard run would be very difficult.

I also spent a little while searching for other threads, and only found one related.

[240260280z]

I'll try to get photos when I go back to Canada. I have a disassembled motor in my basement.

btw I like your other car. I always wanted an early insight

[AnthonyG]

thanks. I do like the insight. also the hybrid system allows for a manual transmission, unlike the prius.

id appreciate the pics too. if we had dimensions he has access to some good fabricating equipment (school equipment).

[240260280z]

I'll try to scan the plate on a scanner so you have something accurate.

[240260280z]

btw I laugh that Honda makes their two aluminum 2 seaters at the same plant, NSX and Insight Fastest and slowest.

I like the insight because of lightweight, low frontal area, and low coefficient of drag...., everything you need for efficiency.

[AnthonyG]

yes. and aluminum body means I dont have to worry about rust eating my car.

I told my friend about getting measurements/detailed pic. he was wondering about the timeframe. currently the engine is partially assembled and only needs this part to finish.

alternatively if anyone would be willing to sell me one from a parts bin of theirs? I have paypal.

[ezzzzzzz]

These two pieces reduce airborne oil from being sucked into the PCV system. One is a swatch of folded mesh wire and the other is the shield that limits oil being directly thrown into the mesh while keeping the mesh in a fixed position. Both can be installed even after the engine is completely built sans oil pan installation. On my SC'd LD28 petrol build I had to ping that shield outward to clear the L20b rod ends. Someone here should be able to provide these bits from a trashed engine.

[JLPurcell]

Have you checked to see if you can still get these parts? I am coming up short on the name of the dealership which still sells a lot of early parts but with a little research on this site you can come up with it. It is located in Texas and they provide great service.

JLP

[d240zx2]

Courtesy Nissan is the dealer you're thinking of...

[JLPurcell]

Courtesy Nissan

www.courtesynissan.com

[AnthonyG]

thanks. I have sent them a question along with the part number for the wire mesh part. hopefully they can find the part or a part number for the missing baffle.

[esprist]

I do not know the size, but buddy of mine had same issue, and he went out and got some very similar material at Home Depot.