Oil Pan vs Power Steering

[Roberto L.]

Hello, I read all previous post on the subject and its clear that 69 350 Hp cars used 5 quarts oil pan. One local owner is rebuilding a 69 350 HP and is converting to PS. Unfortunately the car has a long deep section oil pan, probably a 6 Qt. I compared with my 70 base engine and it's different.

As you know the problem is interference with Power Steering. Which are his options to solve the problem? Aside from a used one, is there a functional replacement?

Thanks, Roberto, NCRS #30019

[Joe C.]

Re: Oil Pan vs Power Steering

Roberto,

The only 1970 Corvette that used the deep 5 + 1(filter) pan, was the LT1. The 350 HP smallblock used the standard 4 + 1(filter) oil pan, which will accept power steering.

oe

[Roberto L.]

Re: Oil Pan vs Power Steering

Thanks Joe, but I was refering to other 69 350 Hp car, not about my 70. The SB 69 has apparently an incorrect oil pan.

The owner bought the PS conversion kit and found problems (interference) with his current oil pan. I was looking for options to help solve his problem.

Roberto

[Jeremy D.]

Re: Oil Pan vs Power Steering

There are some non-PS L46 cars that do have the 6 qt. pan. The two that I have seen were very late build cars, though. Then in '70, only the LT-1's had it...the CTU-block ones without PS. Slap a good ol' 5 qt sbc pan on it and everything will be peachy.

[Terry M.]

Re: Oil Pan vs Power Steering

Back when we were discovering the CTU v CTK difference in the oil pan one long-time enthusiast reported adding PS to early 1970 LT1s by using a large hammer to modify the 6-quart oil pan. I don't recommend this practice -- no telling what internal parts might contact the modified oil pan -- but according to his testimony it can be done.

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil Pan vs Power Steering

Jeremy and Roberto-----

I would strongly question whether any late 1969 L-46 ever ORIGINALLY used a "6 quart" oil pan. For one thing, they would have to have had specific suffix codes since those engines could not have been used with a car also equipped with N-40. There were 4 suffix codes for 1969 L-46 to identify engine plant installed equipment for various RPO's. The use of a "6 quart" pan would have required an additional suffix code for EACH of these four (or, as many of the combinations as the "6 quart" pan was to be used with). However, there were no such "extra" codes.

As far as options for Luis' friend, there are TWO:

1) Change the oil pan to an original "5 quart" oil pan or another configuration compatible with power steering. I understand that Keen Parts now has available reproductions of the "5 quart" 63-74 small block pan. The 75-79 Corvette pan can be used, too, although it won't be correct. To do this, one has to also change the oil pick-up screen, upper dipstick tube, and dipstick;

2) Don't install power steering.

[Roberto L.]

Thanks Jeremy, Joe! *NM*

[Roberto L.]

Re: Oil Pan vs Power Steering

Terry, we joked with the mechanic about "this" solution, but I will suggest the guy the other possibilities. Thank you!

Roberto