Small block windage tray

[Rex T.]

I have a factory windage tray for a small block engine that is almost identical to the original tray in my 64 fuel car, with a couple of significant differences. ..........specifically, the hole in the tray where the dipstick passes through is on the opposite side. Also, this hole is triangular shaped rather than oval shaped as on the original 64 tray. Can anyone identify what this tray fits? It would appear to be a windage tray for a small block with the dipstick on the passenger side of the block.

As always............thanks in advance for your help.

Rex

[Clem Z.]

Re: Small block windage tray

in 1980 GM move the SBC dip stick to the passenger side of the engine and i would guess it would be for those engine

[Joe L.]

Re: Small block windage tray

in 1980 GM move the SBC dip stick to the passenger side of the engine and i would guess it would be for those engine

Clem and Rex-----


Yes, the dipstick moved to the right side for most 1980 and later small blocks. The problem is, I can't think of any 1980 or later small block that used the "flat" style windage tray as was used for 63-72 small blocks with "6 quart" pan.

There is one possibility, though. 1980 Corvettes with L-82, the last year of the L-82, went back to a 1963-74 style pan EXCEPT with a right hand dipstick. 1980 with L-82 also used a windage tray. This tray was used only for 1980 Corvettes with L-82 and for no other application, at all. The windage tray was GM #14031347, but it's long-since discontinued.

The only "fly-in-the-ointment" here is that the 1980 pan was a "5 quart" pan, not a "6 quart" like the pan that was used with the original "flat" windage tray. I don't know if the original "flat" windage tray will work with a "5 quart" pan as it was never used in a PRODUCTION application with such a pan. So, IF it won't work with a "5 quart" pan, then I don't see how a similarly configured windage tray except with provisions for right side dipstick would work with the 1980 pan. But, it's the only possibility I can think of for the windage tray you describe.

[Rex T.]

Re: Small block windage tray

Thanks Clem and Joe. I always know I can rely on you guys for advice. The reason I know it won't work on the midyear engines is I gave it to a friend who is restoring a VERY early (built the first couple days of production) 63 340 horse coupe. After installing the windage tray on the engine and then when they tried to insert the dipstick, it would not go in. Upon close inspection and comparing to a reproduction tray, it was apparent that the two windage trays were different by that hole for the dipstick.

Not sure what it fits, but I now have two of them. Thought I had originals for the early HP cars..................guess not.

As always, thanks for your help and advice.

Regards,
Rex