C-3 small block oil pan

[Tom Sarno]

The engine rebuilder just informed me that I have the wrong oil pan on my small block motor that was removed from my '74. He said I should have shallower pan with a windage try held to the main caps by studs. Is this correct and can the parts be ordered through GM. Any help with part numbers would be greatly appreciated. If the parts are not available through GM, any other sources?

Thank you to everyone who has answered all my past questions. Without your help this project would not have progressed as it has.

Tpm S

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 small block oil pan

Tom------

The oil pan originally used on 1974 Corvette small blocks, GM #3820000, was shallower than most oil pans used for other Chevrolet applications. This same oil pan was used on most 63-74 small block Corvettes, except certain 63-65 with SHP, some early 1970 LT-1 and 70-72 ZR-1. Those cars used an oil pan of the same depth, but a longer sump which was known as GM #3820001.

All Corvettes with the 3820001 oil pan did use an external baffle, GM #3769768, which was mounted to main bearing cap studs. However, as I mentioned, the 3820001 was not used on any 1974 Corvettes.

Some or all 1974 Corvettes with L-82 MAY have used an external baffle with the 3820000 oil pan. This was a "shorty" baffle of GM #3989075. It was configured like the 75+ L-82 baffle, GM #3927136, but it was shorter. However, this baffle would NOT have been used on a 74 L-48. So, if you have an L-48, it definitely DID NOT use an external baffle.

As I say, your 1974 likely used the GM #3820000 oil pan. However, it is possible that some very late 74s used the 75-style oil pans. These oil pans have a shorter, deeper sump. Both L-48 and L-82 have the same EXTERNAL configuration. However, the L-82 pan is configured different internally and the L-82 IS used with an external baffle of GM #3927136.

Without seeing a picture of the pan and knowing certain other information about your car (like whether it's an L-48 or L-82 and what its build date was), it's pretty difficult for me to say if the pan is likely correct, or not. However, it MAY be correct, so don't throw it away.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

By the way, of the part numbers I mentioned, only the 75+ baffle, GM #3927136, remains available. The earlier baffle, GM #3769768, is discontinued but available in reproduction. All the rest of the part numbers provided are GM discontinued, VERY difficult to locate and EXPENSIVE when located. The supercessive part numbers for the 3820000 and 3820001 oil pans, GM #360866 and GM #359942 respectively, are also discontinued and are difficult/expensive to locate. The latter 2 pans are configured almost identically to their predecessors except for the front oil pan seal radius, which is designed to accept the 75+ style 0.41" thick front oil pan seal.

[Tom Sarno]

Re: Addendum

Joe,

Sorry for ommiting some important info. The car was originally an L-48 with a 4 speed. The motor in the car is from a '79 truck and the pan looks to be new. I am not worried about origiality on this car as it has been changed beyond the point of no return. (its on a '76 frame with the original motor,trans and rear missing long ago). Unfortunatly I bought the car befor finding out about the NCRS and this board. Now that I know a little more about Corvettes I will make a wiser choice in selecting the next one.

The machine shop said to try and locate a shallow pan with a rib inside that locks against the windage tray. The tray would bolt to the caps via studs. Is this the earlier style and can you suggest a supplier for it.

Thanks for all your help.
Tom S

[Joe L.]

Re: Addendum

Tom-----

The pan that the mechanic is describing is the 75+ L-82 pan (also used for many Z-28 Camaros from 1969 onward). This pan is still available from GM under GM #360450. It's not real expensive, either. You will also need baffle GM #3927136, 5 studs of GM #14087508, oil pick-up screen GM #3855152, upper dipstick tube GM #3876870 (6-1/2" from shoulder to top) and dipstick GM #3951576. You can also use dipstick tube GM #460147 (8-3/4" from shoulder to top) in conjunction with GM #3981019 dipstick). The latter may be what is installed now in your 79 engine.

[Tom Sarno]

Re: Addendum

Joe

Thank you very much, you take the anxiety out of trying to track down parts

Tom