Original 396 oil pan

[Robert M.]

Can anyone post a picture of an original 396 oil pan showing the front center bolt attachment to the timing cover? Or you can email a picture at rmargolies3@comcast.net. Thanks.

[Wayne M.]

Here's the May '67 Chev Service News Bulletin

that describes the elimination of the nut on the front timing cover. I could post a not-so-good picture of the nut on an old eBay seller's cover, but I'm sure others can describe it well.

If you're considering at that blue cover on eBay, I don't see the nut.

[Kent K.]

Re: Here's the May '67 Chev Service News Bulletin

Wayne --- Is this true for all later 427 engines, including 1969 BBs?
Kent 6201

[George W.]

Re: Here's the May '67 Chev Service News Bulletin

So, I take it that all '65, '66, and earlier '67 big blocks used the oil pan and front timing cover with the hole/bolt/nut cofiguration? When did the no hole oil pan begin showing up in production? G.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Here's the May '67 Chev Service News Bulletin

Kent and George: I'm no expert on this, but I assume that the timing cover has the hole up to present time, to accept the "tit" of the front seal. This allowed them to eliminate the hole in the oil pan front; I would guess at around the same early '67 timeframe. This would prevent trying to insert a bolt into the front timing cover.

[Joe L.]

Re: Here's the May '67 Chev Service News Bulletin

Kent------

Yes, it is. After the date mentioned, the front bolt style cover/pan was eliminated, although some front covers may retain the weld nut after that time. By 1969, the weld nut was gone from the front covers, although the hole remained. This applied to all big blocks-----396, 427, and later 402 and 454.

[Joe L.]

Re: Here's the May '67 Chev Service News Bulletin

George-----

The hole was present in the front oil pan seal surface through, at least, 1968. I don't know if the hole was first-eliminated with the 1969 oil pan, GM #3955106 or if it was first-eliminated with the 1970-74 oil pan, GM #3977591. I believe that it was one or the other, though.

[James W.]

Re: Original 396 oil pan

Rob,

I sent pictures to your email address.

James West
Omaha, NE.

[Robert M.]

Re: Original 396 oil pan

Thanks James, but it did not come through. Did you send it to rmargolies3@comast.net? Thanks

[James W.]

Re: Original 396 oil pan

Rob,

Yes I did. I resent them to you again this morning.

James West