I just removed the 305 TBI from my car and replaced it with and 355. I noticed that my centerlink is only 1/2" from touching the front of my oil pan. I also noticed that if I turn to the left, all the way, that my zerk fitting from my right tie-rod, hits my oil pan.
The centerlink is straight, along with the rest of the steering linkage. I was told that my idler arm is what may be causing this issue. The mechanic said that if I replace the idler arm, it would drop the linkage down enough to clear the oil pan.
I know that I need to replace my struts and also my strut towers. The struts seem like they would help more than a idler arm.
Has anyone had this issue?

Thanks!

Snowman

 

ttt

 

I stand corrected. The centerlink IS touching the bottom of my oil pan. I'm afraid that if I hit a speed bump or any lovely pot-hole, I'll cave in my oil pan.
Did they make a different oil pan on the 305's? I am using a standard SBC oil pan.
Thanks for any advise or comments.

 

I took my 305 tbi out and put a 408 in my 89 and I just used a stock oem replacement oil pan from summit and I have no problems with anything hitting my oil pan. I did recently have my front end rebuilt (before the engine swap) so it is possible that replacing some of those parts would be helpful.

 

Lt89fb,
Thanks for the reply.
I have a feeling that it's time for a front-end rebuild.

 

Yea, i think the centerlink has moved back for whatever reason.

Their shouldnt be any clearance issues with a motor swap since all the pans should be the same up front for SBC's, unless its aftermarket...

 

I think a rebuild would take care of your problem.