Since when did they start using aluminum oil pan on full size vans? I'm working on a 98 express van that through a rod through the oil pan and I was suprised to see that it was aluminum. I thought the LSx series of motors got those oil pans.

 

Around '96 when the "Vortec" engines started replacing the "regular" SBCs in trucks. The Vortec V-6 engines may have had them sooner. Most all of them have cast aluminum pans now for added case rigidity. Moreover, the transmission bolts into the pan in two places on some models. to help hold it all together.

This going into a ThirdGen?

 

It's kind of funny you mentioned Vortec V6 because that's exactly what it is. I didn't look under the hood because I didn't have time last night and this morning I looked under the hood to figure out what is in there. Imagine my surprise to find out that this 3/4 ton van has a 6 cylinder. I found a 95 S10 at a junkyard that doesn't have an aluminum oil pan, but it's still a Vortec V6. I guess they must have started the aluminum oil pan thing later. Probably did it when they changed body styles.

This won't be going in my car. I already have a 350 with those crappy TBI heads on it. I just recently put a quick ring job on it and had the heads cheaply done. I reused the pistons and bearings. I figure I'll get 30,000 miles out of it if not more. When I get it bored with new pistons and bearings I'll find a better set of heads. Until I do all that I'm just gonna drive it.