LSX oil pans
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Joined: May 2008
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Oil Pan Strength I was considering using an aftermarket oil pan to help with clearance issues. However, I was concerned about the aftermarket pans not providing structural strength to the engine block. I would assume GM chose a cast pan for a reason. If the pan were not needed to provide structural strength to the block, GM would have made it out of stamped steel. Does anyone know if this assumption is correct? Do the aftermarket pans, such as the Canton P/N 13-274A or the Autokraft pans, provide structural support to the block?
Thanks.
LS1 xjs
Thanks.
LS1 xjs
I think that GM uses cast pans mainly for noise suppression. The blocks on the LSx engines use deep skirts and crossbolted main caps. I seriously doubt that the pan would take away enough rigidity to become an issue. This is just my opinion.
Andrew
Andrew
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Right here, right now!
I was considering using an aftermarket oil pan to help with clearance issues. However, I was concerned about the aftermarket pans not providing structural strength to the engine block. I would assume GM chose a cast pan for a reason. If the pan were not needed to provide structural strength to the block, GM would have made it out of stamped steel. Does anyone know if this assumption is correct? Do the aftermarket pans, such as the Canton P/N 13-274A or the Autokraft pans, provide structural support to the block?
Thanks.
LS1 xjs
Thanks.
LS1 xjs
It is an incredibly stiff pan. It would have been much cheaper to punch one out of sheet metal.
Even the pressed steel parts bolted into some of the pans - i.e. the F Body oil return tray, are heavy duty items, much thicker and stiffer than they need to be to simply return oil. Cast in ribs are solid too. All a result of the FEA modelling they do on designs these days to get maximum strength and stiffness from minimum metal, weight, and cost.
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Teching In
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13
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From: Sonora, CA
LH6 DoD Pan I posted a question in the Gen IV section regarding the special oil pressure regulator installed in DoD/AFM 5.3 engines. Can I get a little help? Would truly appreciate it. I gotta wife who would love to hear her engine fire but this is a big stumbling block.
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FYI - DOD pressure regulator in a GTO style pan for Holden DOD equipped motor (though DOD not used).
It regulates pressure to the top end of the motor to 55-75 psi. (including cam and main bearings.)
Can only deduce that this is due to higher volume oil pump being fitted for DOD, and the pressure limits on the DOD valves when closed dictate regulation to 55-75psi, but need the increased flow when opening.
If you never get over 75psi, then no real issue....except for those frozen mornings....next winter.....
That is 3 pressure regs/reliefs in one engine...oil pump reg, DOD reg, filter bypass reg.
Trust this helps.
Someone needs to change the Cadillac CTS pan info. Mine measures 6 3/4" total height. The picture shows 5 1/2" which we all should realize is wrong.
Corrected picture is below.
Corrected picture is below.
Last edited by JasonWW; May 20, 2008 at 09:26 PM.
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13
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From: Sonora, CA
For the DoD it looks as if I'll just have to install the threaded oil pressure relief valve (nearly identical to the GTO above) into the truck pan at the location shown in the photo. A little machining of a flat surface, drilling and tapping and I should be good.
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 143
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From: great white northeast
I used an F-body pan in my LH6 Volvo. I NEVBER even gave that valve a second look. Have had NO issues with too much oil pressure. I'm sure on a very cold morning it could be a problem. The OTHER thing you could do is lower the RPM vs. COLD engine temp when you reflash the ECM to limit the engine RPM until the oil warms up. {B5203} in EFIlive.
The caddy pan works. The drain plug moves to the rear but you can access it, at least on my M6. I swapped the oil filter tube over from my f-body pan and can still use the "big" filter. You will need the CTS tube and dipstick for correct oil level readings.
diptick - 12584737
tube - 12584738
diptick - 12584737
tube - 12584738
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2008
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Pan swap for an 04 5.3 Vortec New to the Gen III motors. I'm putting one in an 89 Landcruiser and have clearance issues the pan. It's about 2 inches from the front diff. I need a shorter pan in the rear sump area and associated parts to make it all work.