Has anyone encountered a similar block designed such as this? Mi amigo just picked up a GM 5.7 block (casting number 14101148), and although we already visually see that it's a 4 bolt main, non-roller cam (although it does have the nubs to both drill and tap to convert it), it also has a weird metal tube that runs through the block, and dumps into the oil pan...

The top of this strange shaft is capped, but it does however have a tapped area on the side of the block. If you were looking at the block from a side (drivers side) view, it is just left of the oil pressure switch, down by the oil filter. If you were looking at the block upside down, you'd honestly think it had two dipsticks.

It's obvious he cannot use the oil pan that I was going to give him (as the bottom of his block, on both sides, comes out like the area for the actual dipstick). Looks like two ears, on a rectangular face (hey, this is the best description I can give without a pic).

Is this a truck block? Would anybody now the part number for the correct pan? This tube is in there pretty good, it's pressed in.... but it's also very delicate. I had a vice on it, and felt it starting to give when I applied a little pressure, so I eased off.

I mean, the block is going to get bored and decked anyway, so I'll have the machine shop remove it for him. I was just curious to see if this were beneficial to the oiling system in any way (or could it possibly be just apart of the truck's gauge, and/or ECM sensor) because if it is beneficial, maybe we should keep it there.

Any feedback would greatly be appreciated, as this honestly surprised the hell out of me when I seen it.

The number on the block is VL246027, if this helps any...

Thanks guys!

Edit: Just ran a search using only the block's casting, and only came up with one thread. In it, the original poster also mentions two dipstick looking entries (how funny).

Click Here

 

Just for future reference, I'm following up this thread for the archives. The 14101148 block is known as a "Universal Block" or "L" Block (truck block), and was casted with two universal provisions for the oil dipstick...

They all came with 4 bolt mains, one piece rear main seals, and also have provisions for a roller cam (although the earlier blocks need to be both drilled & tapped).

The part number for the correct GM oil-pan is #12568759, although you can in fact buy universal pans from either Summit Racing, or Jegs....

This engine (our's, in particular) came from the factory with a forged crank, and a GM double roller timing chain. I think it's safe to assume that all of these truck 350's did....

I honestly hope this information helps someone in the future...