1965 Big Block oil pan

[Timothy H.]

Where do I buy an oil pan that is correct for my 396 ? How about a timing chain cover? I also need exhaust manifolds that would be correct for NCRS judging.

[Edward S.]

Re: 1965 Big Block oil pan

The oil pans are on E-Bay quite often, in fact one sold just a few days ago, as for your other parts I never have had to order them so I don"t look out for them. Good luck.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 Big Block oil pan

Where do I buy an oil pan that is correct for my 396 ? How about a timing chain cover? I also need exhaust manifolds that would be correct for NCRS judging.

Timothy-----


The oil pan that remains available today from GM, GM #14091356, is very close to the original in configuration. There are minor differences between this pan and the one used originally for 1965. One difference is that this pan has no corner reinforcements. These can easily be purchased in reproduction and added without even the need to spot weld them to the pan. Also, there is no hole in the center of the front oil pan seal through which a small bolt originally fastened the oil pan to the timing cover. Such a hole can be easily added, if desired.

As far as the timing cover goes, that's another matter. If you want 100% "correctness", you'll need to find a good used one. The correct one will have a "full spoke" center section, a spot welded on timing tab for an 8" balancer, no holes for dowel pins, and a weld nut on the inside lip of the very bottom of the cover. This is the nut into which the bolt I described previously threads.

These things come up for sale on eBay fairly frequently but usually sell for a lot more than they're worth.

Exhaust manifolds are available in reproduction but are expensive at about 400 bucks, each. I think they're really good but there are probably some nuances of difference from the originals. Otherwise, you'll need to look for good used examples. These can be hard to find and definitely expensive since the 1965 manifolds were one-year-only pieces and were used only for Corvette with L-78 and full size passenger car with L-78.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 Big Block oil pan

By the way, don't get sucked into buying one of these pans on eBay for 200-300 bucks. The 14091356 is, as I mentioned, still available from GM for less than 150 bucks, GM list, and about 100 bucks from competitive dealers.

[Keith B.]

Re: 1965 Big Block oil pan

Tim,

Paragon Reproductions have the parts that you need and they look like they are the correct configuration. The Oil pan is expensive 180.00 , timing cover 65.00 and the exhaust manifolds 840.00. The good news is that if you ordered them all together you should get the stick with us discount. I have seen the exhaust manifolds up close and there are non better. The only issue is that they only have a couple of casting dates so they are easily detected by judges. Still worth having. Many of the oil pans that are on Ebay have dents in the bottom that are very difficult to get to look right.

Good luck

[Bill W.]

Re: 1965 Big Block oil pan

Tim . the correct 65 396 timing chain cover has a 1"5/8 timing tab with 11 degree marks. (very hard to find) the 66 & newer covers have a tab a little over 2" with about 17 degree marks. The correct oil pan (at least the early ones)do not have reinforcement indents (also hard to find). The repro manifolds are close but the indents on the raised bosses are a little different. I have seen a few manifolds at swap meets.....Bill

[Timothy H.]

Re: 1965 Big Block oil pan

Thanks for the information, I called the local Chevrolet dealer and he said he could order an oil pan for me for around $110.
Tim H.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 Big Block oil pan

Tim . the correct 65 396 timing chain cover has a 1"5/8 timing tab with 11 degree marks. (very hard to find) the 66 & newer covers have a tab a little over 2" with about 17 degree marks. The correct oil pan (at least the early ones)do not have reinforcement indents (also hard to find). The repro manifolds are close but the indents on the raised bosses are a little different. I have seen a few manifolds at swap meets.....Bill

Bill-----

The GM #14091356 does have the two short, reinforcing "indentions" on either side of the lower sump. However, 1965 L-78's I have looked at also have these "indentions". It may be that all the cars I looked at had replacement pans or it may be that this feature changed sometime during the 1965 model year without a change in part number of the pan and all the cars I looked at were later editions. However, the 1965 L-78 build period was so short, it's hard to imagine the pan would have changed during the period. Certainly possible, though.

In any event, if one wanted a pan lacking the "indentions", it would seem to be a "snap". Simply, remove the paint/powder coat from this area of the 14091356 pan, fill the "indentions" with an epoxy like JB Weld, carefully dress the area with sand paper and paint the complete pan. Presto! No "indentions".