1970 L48 oil capacity/dipstick level

[Rich D.]

According to my (repro) owner's manual, my 1970 350/300 should take 5 quarts of oil. However, if I change the oil and filter (using a PF-25 equivilent) and add 5 quarts, I get a dipstick reading over the full mark.

Is this normal? Although the engine is the original, it had been (sloppily) rebuilt by a previous owner. Could I have the wrong pan and/or dipstick? How can I tell?

Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 L48 oil capacity/dipstick level

According to my (repro) owner's manual, my 1970 350/300 should take 5 quarts of oil. However, if I change the oil and filter (using a PF-25 equivilent) and add 5 quarts, I get a dipstick reading over the full mark.

Is this normal? Although the engine is the original, it had been (sloppily) rebuilt by a previous owner. Could I have the wrong pan and/or dipstick? How can I tell?

Thanks.

Rich-----


It depends just how much "over-fill" it shows. Slightly above "full" is normal. That's because the PF-25 does not hold a full quart of oil. Some replacements have a capacity much less than a full quart.

The 5 quart system Corvette pan has a LOWER REAR oil drain. If you have a SIDE DRAIN, you do not have a 63-74 Corvette pan. Otherwise, if you post a photo of the pan, we can ID it.

Your upper dipstick tube should be curved and with a developed length of 9-1/4".

The dipstick should be 20-5/32" from the seat to the "full" mark and 20-59/64" from the seat to the "add" mark. It MAY have number 3862730 stamped on it.

[Rich D.]

Re: 1970 L48 oil capacity/dipstick level

Joe, my pan does have the rear drain plug. I will measure the dipstick and tube as you mentioned. But if I remember correctly, the level is more than just a bit over full; more like almost a full quart.

Thanks.