Ok I dropped the pan on my 2000 SS just to clear up that it's an ls1, I have the oil pan out and there is something I'm wondering and hope that someone can tell me what that extra piece is for that comes out from above the filter. It looks like it may lead somewhere but it's blocked off, it has two bolts, and I need to know if there's a seal or gasket in there, I want to make sure I dont have any leaks and I want to cover all my bases

 

Its blocked off, Its just there if you need to tap a thread in there for I believe a oil cooler... don't quote me on that though..

but don't worry about it

 

So if I used degreaser and hot tank the pan there aren't any seal that will need to be replaced?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OIL-PORT-ADAPTER-Cooler-Delete-Block-OFF-Plate-LS1-LS2-LSX-LS3-LS6-/140921710339?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20cf96a703&vxp=mtr
try this

 

I just took mine off when i replaced the pan gasket, cleaned the pan up, bolted it back on and havent had any leakage from it. I think youll be fine if you remove it before you hot tank it

 

Fudge...I didn't but alright

 

There is a seal, but it can be reused instead of replaced.

 

the seal has been supercided a time or two, yes you need it. it is available at dealer cheap and is made of thin metal. i know i replaced mine in my ls6 swap.opinion only: don't reuse a 50 cent piece to protect a 5000 dollar part ( engine)

 

I put some RTV Ultra Black on mine when I changed my oil pan gasket. It needed it. It was shot.