Tips & Tricks

Air Filter Oiling

Due to the extremely dry conditions we’re experiencing this year, it’s more important than ever to ensure the air filter is well oiled to prevent the engine inhaling dust and wearing away the inlet valve seats faster than usual. The below video shows the way ITG recommends their filters be oiled.

Skip to 7:15 for the necessary info.

Oil System

How the car cools and feeds the engine with oil can have a big impact on both performance and long term reliability for an engine. Below are some notes on how to ensure your engine works its best for as long as possible. Please note that the below points are for a Jondel spec BDG, but may be applied to other engine types.

• Oil tank main feed to pump to be –12 with recommended pipe size of 19mm / 3/4”.
• Oil return to tank (scavenge) to be –12 with recommended pipe size of 19mm / 3/4”.
• Oil pressure line to be –10 with recommended pipe size of 16mm / 5/8”.
• Cam cover breather to be –8 with recommended pipe size of 12mm / 1/2”.
• Oil cooler to be 13-19 row, -10 fittings.
• Oil pressure and temperature take off from cylinder block side of oil filter.
• Oil tank must have a de-aerating system and ideally a 240v heating pad to pre-heat the oil before start up.
• Change oil and filter after 150 miles.
• Try to avoid 90° fittings where possible. If it’s unavoidable, use only swept fittings with a generous curve.
• Recommended oil is 15w/50 to 15w/60, or 20w/60 but must be fully synthetic.
• Minimum oil temperature to be 60° before competitive use.

Open the files below to see how we like our BDGs to be plumbed up for oil.

BDG Specifics

The below notes are specific to a Jondel spec BDG.

• Air filter should be regularly cleaned and oiled.
• Water temperature should be between 80°C and 90°C.
• Engine revs not to fall below 2000rpm while warming up.
• Idle speed to be at least 1500rpm.
• Fuel to be 98 octane minimum (super unleaded) with octane booster.
• Fuel pressure regulator must be set to 3.5 to 4psi.
• Ensure the ignition coil is mounted vertically and never horizontally.
• Maximum revs are 9000rpm to 9200rpm.
• Allow for adequate cool airflow to the air filter as well as the escape of warm air from the engine bay.
• Check gearbox 1st motion shaft length against crankshaft depth, so as not to bottom out.
• Spark plug torque not to exceed 10lbs ft. It is recommended to torque new plugs 3 times.
• Never bump start the engine.
• If the engine is turned over by hand, NEVER turn it over backwards, only clockwise.

View the file below to see how to wire up a BDG alternator.