Soft red rubber bits in oil
 

So this is my 3rd oil change in my 2002 S. I use Total Quartz 9000 5W40. and stock oil filtering system. I've been doing a few DEs and running it hard but oil is changed every 2nd or 3rd DE.

Today, I installed the X51 stainless steel baffle from Tarrett and the Wahler 160 degree Thermostat.
So, my first comment is that I had to remove the top rubber seals on the front legs because the overall thickness was too much and prevented the sump plate from properly sealing up to the engine. That being said, I re-sealed the the sump plate with the new baffle system and all seems to fit correctly now. I'm hoping this helps reduce the oil pressure drops I've been hearing about.

My main problem is that I found these red soft rubber bits in the oil sump (2 larger pieces on the left) and then the smaller pieces in the oil filter. I also saw larger chunks in the oil draining out... I did not see this on my last oil and filter change.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1488673205.jpg

It is obviously a seal material since it is very soft. What is it? Do I need to be concerned? I have another DE next weekend.

BTW, this is NOT coming from the baffle I just installed since I haven't even put oil back in yet! Just a coincidence I suppose...

Could it be the spark plug tube o-rings?
These are the ones I put in a few months ago...

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1488677704.jpg

If it was one of the new ones, it would probably be leaking. Take a look. When you pulled the old tubes out is there a chance that an old O-ring or large part of one remained in the engine? That would get chewed up just like what you are seeing.