I am a new NCRS member, and am working on my first midyear, a 1965 327/350 conv. I am in the process of putting together a numbers matching motor and am wondering if the 350hp oil pan is different than the standard 300hp pan. Also, does anyone have any feedback on Engines Limited in Omro, WI. I have talked to Randy several times, and he seems very helpful and knowledgable. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Re: 327/350 Oil Pan
Dave-----
For 1965, the L-79 engine used the same oil pan as that used for the 250 hp and 300 hp engines. This oil pan is a "5 quart" pan and was used for most Corvette small blocks from 1963-1974. It was originally GM #3820000 and, about 1976, was revised slightly and changed to GM #360866 which was a SERVICE only part (since its date of release was after PRODUCTION use of this pan ended). Both pans are GM discontinued.
Most 63-65 small blocks with SHP, mechanical lifter engines used a "6 quart" oil pan originally of GM #3820001. This pan was also used for some 1966 L-79 without power steering, some early 1970 LT-1, and all 1970-72 ZR-1. About 1976, it was also revised slightly and changed to GM #359942. These pans are not compatible with the use of power steering or the steering shock absorber due to the longer length of the pan sump. Both pans are also GM-discontinued.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Engines Limited
Dave,
A few years ago I bought a date coded exhaust manifold for my '66 L79 from Engines Limited and found Randy to be both knowedgable and pleasant to deal with.
GaryComment
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Re: Engines Limited
Several years ago I bought a dated and re-stamped 327 block form Randy. Well when it was in the machine shop being checked out, the shop discoverd a hair line crack in one of the main webs. I called Randy and he sent me another dated and re-stamped block. I thought he was very fair and knowledgeable to deal with.Comment
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Re: 327/350 Oil Pan - How About '68
Hi Joe, could you please provide details for the pan that was used on '68 327/350 engines? I noticed the comment about no power steering for other pans. I have a '68 L79 HP code which does have PS. Thanks!
RogerComment
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Re: 327/350 Oil Pan - How About '68
Roger-----
ALL 1967-69 Corvette small blocks used the GM #3820000 "5 quart" oil pan. The 3820001 "6 quart" oil pan was used only for certain SHP mechanical lifter applications during the 63-65 period and the 70-72 period. It was also used for a few 1966 L-79 without p/s applications. It was not used for ANY 1968 Corvette applications.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 327/350 Oil Pan - How About Thanks! NM *NM*
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Joe, can you clarify re: 5 vs 6 qt on '66 L79?
Joe,
My '66 L79 does not have power steering, but I do have a steering damper. In your posting you say that "some" 66 L79s without power steering used the larger 6 quart oil pan. Was this use inconsistent? I'm nearly positive that my oil pan is original, but as I said, I do have the steering damper, hence I'm thinking I have the 5 quart pan.
The 2nd edition of the '66 TIM&JG says that all 66 small block cars (i.e., both 300 HP and 350 HP) used a 5 quart pan. The JG does not mention the 6 quart pan at all. I don't have the 3rd edition of the JG in front of me, so I don't know whether the 3rd edition differs from the 2nd edition or not.
GaryComment
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Re: Joe, can you clarify re: 5 vs 6 qt on '66 L79?
Gary - from the 66 3rd edition TIM&JG for small blocks: "The pan is identifiable by a 10.5" lower sump. Vertical ribs are embossed into the side of the oil pan, three ribs on the left side and two on the right. All ribs are approximately 1.5" high. The pan drain exits the rear with a thin, flat head 3/4" drain plug with a white nylon (not fiber) gasket."
End of story for the SB oil pans in the 3rd edition....CraigComment
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Craig; 2nd and 3rd eds are identical; thanks *NM*
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Re: Joe, can you clarify re: 5 vs 6 qt on '66 L79?
Gary-----
It is my understanding that some "HT" suffix code 1966 L-79s were equipped with the 6 quart oil pan. If so, cars so-equipped could not also have used the steering shock absorber or power steering.
Engine suffix code "HP" was used for L-79s with power steering. This would tend to support the fact that there was some difference in the engine assemblies for 1966 L-79s destined for use in power steering equipped cars. The only difference that would have involved components installed at the engine plant would be the oil pan. Cars with power steering would have required the 5 quart oil pan; cars without power steering (and with the steering shock absorber deleted) could have used either the "5 quart" or the "6 quart" oil pans. If "HT" suffix code L-79s were all supplied with the "5 quart" oil pan, then I would expect absolutely no difference between an "HP" and "HT" suffix-coded engine. So, why would GM have complicated things for themselves for no benefit?
I have no documentation or proof of any of this, and I have not really studied the matter, at all. As I say, it's just been my understanding that this was the case and the fact that there were 2 different engine suffix codes for for the L-79 would tend to support this "theory".In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Sounds like a survey of '66 L79 HT cars is needed
Joe,
One thing that might provide some clarification is a survey of owners of '66 L79 HT coded cars to see if any came originally with the 6-quart pan and no steering damper. At this point I can only say that my HT coded 1966 L79 has the steering damper, and the damper and pan are almost certainly original.
GaryComment
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Joe: Results of a quick mini-survey (N = 4)
Joe,
I've just received e-mail back from 3 owners of 1966 L79's, all with the HT engine suffix. All 3 cars, plus my car, have the steering damper (and presumably the smaller oil pan). I know this "survey" isn't definitive, but I thought I would pass along the information. Several of these owners also commented that their cars take 5 quarts of oil including the filter. Note that at least one of these 4 cars is an AO Smith car, while mine is a St. Louis car, for whatever that's worth.
If there is anyone out there with a '66 L79 with the HT suffix that originally came without a steering damper, please post your specifics. Some of us would be interested in hearing from you.
GaryComment
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