L78 Oil Capacity

[Joel T.]

Hi All;

Can someone tell me what is the correct (CJ-4!!!) oil capacity is for the L78 motor?? I could not find this in the archive....

Thanks!!

Joel

[Duke W.]

Re: L78 Oil Capacity

Someone should confirm, but I believe all big blocks of the era take 6 quarts for an oil and filter change (Assuming that the OE cartidge type filter is still installed), and 5 quarts if the filter is not changed - same as the mechanical lifter C2 SBs with the "big" pan.

Duke

[Joel T.]

Re: L78 Oil Capacity

Duke;

Thanks!

Joel

[Wayne M.]

Re: L78 Oil Capacity

Someone should confirm, but I believe all big blocks of the era take 6 quarts for an oil and filter change (Assuming that the OE cartidge type filter is still installed), and 5 quarts if the filter is not changed - same as the mechanical lifter C2 SBs with the "big" pan. Duke

Duke -- Just checked a 1966 Chassis Service Manual (incl. Corvette, Chev and Chevelle) and it confirms what you've said for Corvette 427's (believe '65 396's used same oil pan) Interestingly, it shows 4qt. + 1 [filter]) for other '66 396's and 427's; Corvette is the only one with 5+1.

[Stuart F.]

Re: L78 Oil Capacity

I take it there is no Power Steering consideration with the big blocks?

Stu Fox

[Wayne M.]

Re: L78 Oil Capacity

I take it there is no Power Steering consideration with the big blocks? Stu Fox

Correct -- no interference with P/S linkage on large capacity BB Corvette oil pans. Not the case with steering dampers, though.

There was an old Tech Service Bulletin about the first batch of L78's that had the damper, and there was a recall. Haven't seen that TSB for decades, and I'd like to check what I think I remember.

[Joe L.]

Re: L78 Oil Capacity

Duke -- Just checked a 1966 Chassis Service Manual (incl. Corvette, Chev and Chevelle) and it confirms what you've said for Corvette 427's (believe '65 396's used same oil pan) Interestingly, it shows 4qt. + 1 [filter]) for other '66 396's and 427's; Corvette is the only one with 5+1.

Wayne----

All 1965-74 Corvette big blocks used, basically, the same configuration oil pan and were 6 quarts capacity (with filter change). No other Chevrolet vehicle with big block used the same pan as Corvette.