From the pictures below I was hoping someone can answer a couple of questions.

WHat is the 'fin' protruding down from the sump in the middle of the first picture and the right of the 2nd





Also would you agree from the 2nd pic that there is no baffle plate in the sump?

That's the airflow regulation deflecting vane, make sure it's checked on every service

Just kidding it's a standard bit of casting that stops the engine falling over when it's on the bench

And no, it doesn't look like there's a baffle sandwiched in so either....there isn't one, else it,s a freee standing one folded in.
There not essential on thes motors, especially for road use

No baffle, and it's not needed either.

I've ran this engine for over 4 years now on road and track and my oil pressure never drops even on the longest of corners!
If you're concerned, fit an oil pressure gauge, that will tell you whats going on in the engine and will be money well spent.

If you want a shorter sump, I have a couple in the garage I may sell.
Theyre standard sumps that have been cut down with a plate welded over the bottom and sump plug moved to the side. I cant remember the exact gain, but 45mm extra clearance rings a bell... (I'll check)

Thanks for the replies!

The sump is basically the same level as the floor so given I hope to use the car mostly on track I'm not too worried about hitting anything. The only thing that sticks down is that deflecting vane ;-)

Interesting what you say about not needing a baffle plate. Is there any reason not to fit one? I thought the general consensus was for track use they was a near essential?

No reason not to fit one, but not essential.
Well proven moters that don't go pop to easy.
That said, as I live near Mallory, with a half mile right hand bend I chose to at the right price

as said, not essential.

I'd say there's better things to spend the money on.
On a locoal track there is a pretty long corner that you're taking at about 50-60mph for a good 5secs+, my oil pressure never faulters and I've never had any problems with the 100s of laps Ive done.

Only issues Ive had with these engines is knocking the sump plug out (hence the shorter sump with moved sump plug!), but that is obviously going to cause quite a major problem....