When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Im working on a gen4 5.3L for a silverado 4X2 truck. I have 2 different oil pickup tubes. one has a 6 1/4 " drop from the bracket and the other has a 7 1/4 " drop from the bracket. when i look through the drain bolt hole i can see that the longer pickup tube has about 1/2" clearance from the bottom of the pan. what is the minimum clearance for the oil pickup ? Is that enough or is it better to be a little higher to not suck dirt from the bottom of the pan later on ?
3/8” to 1/2” is typical numbers. I feel that the aluminum LS pans have enough rigidity to allow the pickup to be even closer than 3/8”. With the thinwall stamped steel oil pans, a bigger clearance is wanted to allow for pan flex, or pan damage that could close the distance. Use modeling clay and a razor blade to figure the exact difference if your concerned.
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.
Minimum oil pickup to pan clearance 
