Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

LSX oil pans

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-16-2011, 03:07 PM
  #401  
Teching In
 
jpndave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Hyde Park, UT
Posts: 16
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by 52 Rat
"Got my F-body oil pan and pickup tube in the mail today. What else do I need for this swap? It's going into an LQ4. I will be replacing the oil pump, also. Do I need a pump that matches the motor or the pan?"

You will need a dipstick and dipstick tube. I'm not sure about the oil pump. I did not change my oil pump. I converted my lq4 pan to the F body set up.
The dipstick and tube doesn't necessarily need to be replaced. Three items are required for the swap, pan, pickup and windage tray. In a Gen 4, the pan has to be machined for the oil pressure safety blow off.
Old 06-16-2011, 03:16 PM
  #402  
On The Tree
iTrader: (4)
 
52 Rat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by jpndave
The dipstick and tube doesn't necessarily need to be replaced. Three items are required for the swap, pan, pickup and windage tray. In a Gen 4, the pan has to be machined for the oil pressure safety blow off.
I forgot to list the windage tray. For no more than the dipstick and dipstick tube cost, it was not worth modifying to me. Just my .02
Old 06-16-2011, 07:16 PM
  #403  
Teching In
 
cubewhiz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Kearny, NJ
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 52 Rat
I forgot to list the windage tray. For no more than the dipstick and dipstick tube cost, it was not worth modifying to me. Just my .02
So with the windage tray, dipstick, and tube, I will certainly have everything I need, right?

Thanks.
Old 06-16-2011, 07:28 PM
  #404  
On The Tree
iTrader: (4)
 
52 Rat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by cubewhiz
So with the windage tray, dipstick, and tube, I will certainly have everything I need, right?

Thanks.
Yes, that is correct.
Old 06-16-2011, 08:00 PM
  #405  
Teching In
 
cubewhiz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Kearny, NJ
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 52 Rat
Yes, that is correct.
Great! I've got the parts ordered now. With shipping, it came to around $50 for everything.

Thanks!
Old 08-29-2011, 06:39 PM
  #406  
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (5)
 
tta656's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

G Body
Will the new holley pan work in my G Body

i have used the search function for months now,so many pans, so many ideas,so many myths..i neeed a clear answer like some now have.. thanks for your help Dennis
Old 08-30-2011, 07:52 AM
  #407  
Moderator
 
mrvedit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 7,120
Received 425 Likes on 324 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by tta656
G Body
Will the new holley pan work in my G Body

i have used the search function for months now,so many pans, so many ideas,so many myths..i neeed a clear answer like some now have.. thanks for your help Dennis
I purchased the Holley pan for my '81 Camaro and was able to compare it to several OEM pans. I found the Holley pan inferior and ended up using the Caddy CTS-V pan. Here are my reasons:

1. The Holley pan only has a small (barely) 4 quart capacity. At the same oil level, the CTS-V pan has a 6 quart capacity. (I measured them precisely.)

2. The Holley pan does not include a gasket, which is $25 from the dealer.

3. The Holley pan does not include provision for the oil level sensor.

Since the CTS-V pan has similar dimensions except for the deeper reservoir, and is actually cheaper from a cooperative dealer (my local dealer matched the price at gmpartsdirect.com), it is generally a better choice than the Holley.

Yes, the CTS-V pan sits about 3/4" below a 2nd Gen Camaro's crossmember, but even on my 2" lowered car, I have more than 5" of ground clearance. (Also my headers sit a bit lower than the oil pan and I have very stiff springs.)

I cannot answer your fit question for a G body, but IMHO the Holley pan is inferior to the OEM choices.

As has been mentioned here, avoid the GM Performance oil pan. I also tested that and found it sits much too low, almost as low as the truck oil pan. Yes, I tested every pan other than the the Vette and F-Body. I skipped the F-body as I wanted more than 4 quart capacity.
Old 08-30-2011, 09:47 AM
  #408  
Old School Heavy
iTrader: (16)
 
speedtigger's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 8,830
Received 63 Likes on 36 Posts

Default

Have a look at the Mast Pan. That is what I used on my A-body.
Old 08-30-2011, 03:10 PM
  #409  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Ernie W's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by mrvedit
I purchased the Holley pan for my '81 Camaro and was able to compare it to several OEM pans. I found the Holley pan inferior and ended up using the Caddy CTS-V pan. Here are my reasons:

1. The Holley pan only has a small (barely) 4 quart capacity. At the same oil level, the CTS-V pan has a 6 quart capacity. (I measured them precisely.)

2. The Holley pan does not include a gasket, which is $25 from the dealer.

3. The Holley pan does not include provision for the oil level sensor.

Since the CTS-V pan has similar dimensions except for the deeper reservoir, and is actually cheaper from a cooperative dealer (my local dealer matched the price at gmpartsdirect.com), it is generally a better choice than the Holley.

Yes, the CTS-V pan sits about 3/4" below a 2nd Gen Camaro's crossmember, but even on my 2" lowered car, I have more than 5" of ground clearance. (Also my headers sit a bit lower than the oil pan and I have very stiff springs.)

I cannot answer your fit question for a G body, but IMHO the Holley pan is inferior to the OEM choices.

As has been mentioned here, avoid the GM Performance oil pan. I also tested that and found it sits much too low, almost as low as the truck oil pan. Yes, I tested every pan other than the the Vette and F-Body. I skipped the F-body as I wanted more than 4 quart capacity.
So the CTS-V pan setup would be the best option for a 1980 Pontiac Firebird? I'm gonna be running a LQ4 6.0L with 1" setback motor mounts.
Old 08-30-2011, 05:01 PM
  #410  
Moderator
 
mrvedit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 7,120
Received 425 Likes on 324 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Ernie W
So the CTS-V pan setup would be the best option for a 1980 Pontiac Firebird? I'm gonna be running a LQ4 6.0L with 1" setback motor mounts.
IMO, yes that is the best pan to use for a 2nd gen Camaro/Firebird.

However, unless you absolutely need to connect the engine to a stock TH350 in its stock position, I would highly recommend 0" setback mounts and not the 1" setback. With 1" setback the engine is so close to the firewall (within millimeters) that the rear wiring, fuel lines, etc. become a real pain.

Here is a good picture showing how close even 0" setback is (See post #7):
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=222162

See my post #4 on this link:
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=217897

You do not need any setback for teh CTS-V oil pan; it clears the crossmember with plenty room to spare. Also the front of the CTS-V oil pan is shallow enough to keep the steering linkage from hitting it.
Old 09-28-2011, 08:28 AM
  #411  
Teching In
iTrader: (2)
 
kalech's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Are the two first oil pans in the OP (12609074 and 12579273) front or rear sump?
Old 10-10-2011, 11:44 AM
  #412  
8 Second Club
iTrader: (30)
 
NOS327's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by mrvedit
1. The Holley pan only has a small (barely) 4 quart capacity. At the same oil level, the CTS-V pan has a 6 quart capacity. (I measured them precisely.)
What is the total system capacity for a CTS-V engine?

The Holley pan is advertised as 5.5qts capacity w/o filter, and 6qts capacity w/filter. Given that you use an OEM dipstick assembly to measure oil level and it takes 6qts to get there (with a half in the filter), the CTS-V must be a much larger total system capacity??
Old 10-11-2011, 08:32 AM
  #413  
Moderator
 
mrvedit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 7,120
Received 425 Likes on 324 Posts

Default

I took measurements (and pictures) of everything.
Here is the Holley Pan next to the CTS-V; its a big difference:

Name:  Auto-June-2011020.jpg
Views: 863
Size:  178.4 KB

Here is the Holley with 4 quarts of water, which brings it to level of the windage tray:

Name:  Auto-June-2011017.jpg
Views: 865
Size:  207.1 KB

IMO, it is full.

Here is the CTS-V pan with 4 quarts:

Name:  Auto-June-2011018.jpg
Views: 869
Size:  181.4 KB

Here is the CTS-V pan with 5 quarts:

Name:  Auto-June-2011019.jpg
Views: 875
Size:  186.0 KB

There is a 2 quart difference between the pans. Yes, the Holley will hold 5 quarts without "spilling", but the oil level would be above the windage tray. This may be the way old SBC oil pans were rated, but GM rates their oil pans with a much lower oil level.

Also, from my measurements, GM makes two dipsticks, one shows "full" right at the windage tray, while the recommended one for the CTS-V shows "full" about 1/2 inch below the windage tray. Therefore the CTS-V pan easily hold its 6 "rated" quarts with another quart to spare.

Here is a picture of the Truck pan, the CTS-V pan and the Holley pan. I'm sorry I don't have the F-Body pan for comparison. (I try lots of combos, but even I have limits.)

Name:  Auto-June-2011021.jpg
Views: 867
Size:  169.7 KB

On my '81 Camaro, the Truck pan hung way too low below the frame crossmember. The CTS-V pan hangs about 3/4" below it while the Holley didn't hang below at all. This issue is often discussed on the NastyZ28 forum. While many "swappers" have used the CTS-V pan, one member recently hit a high manhole cover in a construction zone and severely damaged his engine; he was swiching to the F-Body pan. While GM rates the F-Body pan at 5 quarts, I suspect this is with the oil level right at the windage tray.
Old 10-11-2011, 05:57 PM
  #414  
8 Second Club
iTrader: (30)
 
NOS327's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

Interesting. I used the corvette LS2 dipstick, looks like it reads full at the bottom of the windage tray.

Name:  DipstickCheck.jpg
Views: 874
Size:  38.7 KB
Old 11-17-2011, 03:59 AM
  #415  
Registered User
 
HZCRAZY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: australia
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Oil valve

Is the oil valve universal between sumps
Old 11-20-2011, 01:36 PM
  #416  
Staging Lane
iTrader: (3)
 
tex1978's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tyler, Texas
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Man, after looking at used F-body pans I thought I would check out GM Parts Direct.....thought I was on to something till I figured the shipping in!! Plus the oil pump O-rings at $3.58 ea but have to get 5 in a pack.......$17.90!! Shipping was $66 BUCKS!! Kit came out to be $324.83 to the door.
Old 11-20-2011, 02:42 PM
  #417  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
 
gectek's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

If you buy the f body pickup tube, the o ring comes on it. FYI. Also any new GM pump or the melling pumps come with them as well.
Old 11-20-2011, 03:23 PM
  #418  
Staging Lane
iTrader: (3)
 
tex1978's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tyler, Texas
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I thought I read that somewhere. That still makes it a tad over $300 new. Im gonna have a hard time coughing up $300+ for an oil pan on a $900 dollar motor that has a perfectly good oil pan. Of course there is the used route that is not out of the question after I saw shipping charges.
Old 11-21-2011, 10:09 AM
  #419  
Moderator
 
mrvedit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 7,120
Received 425 Likes on 324 Posts

Default

I printed out the prices from GMpartsdirect and took them to my local dealer. The parts manager looked at it and was willing to match it! I didn't need a windage tray and I recall the total for CTS-V pan, bolts, dipstick, dipstick tube and sales tax was about $225.
Old 11-21-2011, 11:04 AM
  #420  
Staging Lane
iTrader: (3)
 
tex1978's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tyler, Texas
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Well I lucked up. Just picked up a LS1 pan/pickup for $75 shipped. I can cut my truck windage tray down to fit for free and even use the truck dipstick if need be (cut down of course).


Quick Reply: LSX oil pans



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:03 AM.