383 oilcpan internal clearance issues?
#1
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Midlothian,VA. 23112-6108
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1982 Z-28
Engine: 5.0 w/ Holly carb
Transmission: TH-700R4
383 oilcpan internal clearance issues?
I built my 383 on a GM truck 350 one piece rear seal block, using an Eagle externally balanced rotating assy. When I installed the oil pan that came with the engine (pickup truck), I see that the rods now hit the oil pan. After MANY calls to various tech lines I cannot find a stock sized pan to fit my application ('82 Z-28). Can I "dimple" the oil pan to gain clearance? How much will I need to "dimple"? Thanks, Andy
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: N. Illinois
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 92 GTA/ 00 TA
Engine: 383/350
Transmission: 700R4/T-56
Re: 383 oilcpan internal clearance issues?
I'm an internally balanced 383 running the stock 92 pan. For internal clearance I only had to dimple 1 or 2 spots on the pan.
Is your engine still on the stand? If so, flip it upside-down. With the pan not bolted but sitting on the engine, rotate the block. Figure out which ones are hitting. Note how far the pan lifts from the engine. Start banging.
You should be able to dimple quite a bit. Just be careful that you don't have to clearance so much that you lose your flat pan lip in the process.
I would "***"ume that you could go as far as 1/4" before getting concerned.
Is your engine still on the stand? If so, flip it upside-down. With the pan not bolted but sitting on the engine, rotate the block. Figure out which ones are hitting. Note how far the pan lifts from the engine. Start banging.
You should be able to dimple quite a bit. Just be careful that you don't have to clearance so much that you lose your flat pan lip in the process.
I would "***"ume that you could go as far as 1/4" before getting concerned.
#3
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: CT
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: Used to drive a camaro
Re: 383 oilcpan internal clearance issues?
Andy, did you look at Berger or Canton pans? They have stroker pans but like Vipr said, you can dimple usually and not worry. I run a moros 6qt pan myself and have a 91roller block and eagle internal rotating stroker assembly. I'm in process of building so I'll be checking clearance as well.
#4
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: N. Illinois
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 92 GTA/ 00 TA
Engine: 383/350
Transmission: 700R4/T-56
Re: 383 oilcpan internal clearance issues?
Let me know how that Moroso fits.
My rotating assembly is also Eagle. When I was looking into pan replacement, I couldn't get a straight answer on fitment so I opted to dimple. Turned out to be very minimal and "free".
My rotating assembly is also Eagle. When I was looking into pan replacement, I couldn't get a straight answer on fitment so I opted to dimple. Turned out to be very minimal and "free".
#5
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Midlothian,VA. 23112-6108
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1982 Z-28
Engine: 5.0 w/ Holly carb
Transmission: TH-700R4
Re: 383 oilcpan internal clearance issues?
Andy, did you look at Berger or Canton pans? They have stroker pans but like Vipr said, you can dimple usually and not worry. I run a moros 6qt pan myself and have a 91roller block and eagle internal rotating stroker assembly. I'm in process of building so I'll be checking clearance as well.
Thanks for the advice, Andy
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Corning NY
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 86' IROC
Engine: 388
Transmission: Built 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.08 non-posi
Re: 383 oilcpan internal clearance issues?
you can always pull the pan set it on a old baseball diamond base and use a dead blow and put a small dent in the pan to make it clear. I know of a few people that have had the same problem that fixed with with a dead blow hammer.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 L69
Engine: Cammed 350
Transmission: Tremec Tr-3550
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 383 oilcpan internal clearance issues?
its better to get a one piece oil pan gasket and actually grind the pan where the rods hit.
The easiest way to tell where they hit is to get some clay and line the edge of the pan and install it finger tight. Turn the motor until it hits. Clearance the now marked area in the clay. Rinse and repeat until the rotating assembly spins freely.
The easiest way to tell where they hit is to get some clay and line the edge of the pan and install it finger tight. Turn the motor until it hits. Clearance the now marked area in the clay. Rinse and repeat until the rotating assembly spins freely.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Z28,64ImpalaSS4094spd,67 Galaxy
Engine: Dart 415Profiler hd,cmprlrs,Hlly750
Transmission: Built 700R4, 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 3:89 Moser 9"
Re: 383 oilcpan internal clearance issues?
Pound it out where it hits, get a piece of wood and a hammer and have at it! Mine only hit in one spot, pounded it and never looked back...lol
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gixxer92
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
5
09-01-2015 04:32 PM