The Mystery Of The 'Are Ls Cast Pan

LS cast pans are a type of oil pan designed for LS-based engines. They are typically made from cast aluminium, although some are made from steel, and are designed to fit a range of vehicles, including the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, and Holden Commodore. LS cast pans are available in different profiles, including low-profile options, and are designed to provide adequate clearance for LS swap applications. They are also designed with a specific crankshaft stroke and oil capacity in mind, with some pans accommodating crankshaft strokes of up to 4.25 inches and oil capacities of up to 6 quarts.

LS Swap Oil Pans for Holden or Chev

Swapping an LS engine into a muscle car, classic truck, or sports car can be a challenging task. While buying the LS engine itself is usually the easiest part of the process, adapting it to fit your platform and making the electronics work with the vehicle's existing wiring harness can be difficult. One of the biggest challenges is finding the right oil pan.

The oil pan is most commonly an issue when swapping LS engines into a vehicle that was not designed for one. This is because the clearance and the design of the front suspension systems differ. To overcome this, you can either opt for a new modern front suspension system or make modifications to the existing setup.

There are a variety of oil pans available for LS swaps, and it is important to choose the right one to ensure a stress-free engine swap. Holley offers a range of LS Swap Oil Pans, including the 302-1, 302-2, and 302-3, which provide additional front clearance. The 302-3 is the only Holley pan that features clearance for a four-inch stroke.

Another option for LS Swap Oil Pans is the RTS Oil Pan in cast aluminium, which is suitable for early Holden or Chev with LS Engine Swap, with different options available depending on the inch stroke of your vehicle.

When choosing an oil pan, it is important to consider the sump depth as well. The GM Muscle Car pan, for example, has a very deep sump, which can cause the lowest point of the oil pan to hang below the crossmember. On the other hand, the Holley 302-1 oil pan offers more ground clearance with a shallower sump depth.

In addition to the oil pan itself, you may also need to purchase additional components such as an oil pick-up tube, oil pan gasket, bolts, and other hardware to complete the swap. It is also worth noting that aftermarket oil pans do not utilize an oil level sensor.

LS Swap Oil Pans for Trucks

Swapping an LS engine into a truck can be intimidating. The easiest part of the process is usually buying the LS engine, and then it's a matter of adapting it to fit your truck. One of the biggest challenges you can face is the oil pan. If the pan doesn't fit your truck, you will have problems before the engine even meets the vehicle.

Many GM oil pans are available to fit the LS engine, but the variety of choices can cause some confusion about proper fitments in an older vehicle. Before the introduction of Holley’s LS Swap oil pans, a commonly used oil pan was the GM F-Body (GM part number 12628771 used from 1998 to 2002) because of its sump design. Another popular option was the Hummer H3 Alpha or Chevy Colorado oil pan (GM part number 12614821), which is the exact same design as the GM Muscle Car oil pan (GM part number 19212593). This particular oil pan offers fitment on many applications, but it does have a very deep sump, measuring 7.75 inches from the oil pan rail to the lowest point on the sump. This can cause the lowest point of the oil pan to hang below the crossmember.

Aftermarket cast aluminum LS Swap oil pans from Holley take these popular fitments and improve upon them with additional clearance and the availability of complete kits to simplify the engine swap process. Holley has a full line of oil pans that are perfect for LS swaps. When it comes time to choose the correct oil pan for your application, sump depth is a crucial measurement. The GM Muscle Car pan (GM Part #19212593) measures 7.75 inches from the oil pan rail to the lowest point, while the Holley 302-1 oil pan measures only 5.71 inches, giving you more ground clearance.

Holley offers three options for LS Swap Oil Pans. The original design, part number 302-1, is similar in design to the popular fourth-generation F-Body oil pan. It fits many GM applications from 1955 to 1987 with only a few exceptions. Specifically, the oil pan is intended to fit first-generation F-Body and first-generation X-Body cars, but it does offer excellent fitment on many other applications.

Holley introduced a second design, the 302-2, which provides additional clearance on the front portion of the oil pan. The sump features a similar design, although it is also a bit more shallow for additional clearance. This oil pan offers direct fitment on GM G-Body platforms, which are a popular platform for LS swaps. Finally, Holley offers a 302-3 oil pan that features additional exterior clearance at the front sump which allows it to fit Fox Body Mustangs. The 302-3 also has added internal clearance to support up to a 4.25in crankshaft stroke.

There are also other options for LS Swap Oil Pans from other manufacturers, such as Mast Motorsports and ICT Billet.

LS Swap Oil Pans for GM Late Model Vehicles

When performing an LS swap on a GM vehicle, you will likely encounter challenges due to the engine not being designed for older model cars. One of the key considerations is choosing the right oil pan, as factory pans often lack the necessary clearance around the frame or steering linkage. Fortunately, there is a wide range of aftermarket options available to ensure a successful LS engine swap.

Chevrolet Performance LS Muscle Car Oil Pan Kit

Chevrolet offers the LS Muscle Car Oil Pan Kit (PN 19212593), which is designed to fit most 1955-1995 GM front-engine rear-wheel-drive V8 cars. The kit includes bolts, gaskets, a pickup tube, nuts, a windage tray, an oil pan, and a dipstick. It has a 5-quart capacity and can accommodate a maximum stroke of 3.620 inches.

Holley GM LS Swap Oil Pan

Holley, known for its expertise in LS swaps, offers the GM LS Swap Oil Pan (PN VK090000), which fits most 1955-1987 GM classic cars and trucks. This oil pan has a lower profile than the Chevrolet option, providing improved ground clearance. The kit includes a cast oil pan (PN 302-1), a dipstick tube, a sump baffle, a pickup tube, a sump plug, bolts, a gasket, an oil filter stud, silicone RTV, and an oil passage cover. With a 5.5-quart capacity and the ability to accept a maximum crankshaft stroke of 4.25 inches, this oil pan is a great choice for lowered vehicles.

BluePrint Engines LS Swap Oil Pan Kit

The BluePrint Engines LS Swap Oil pan kit is designed to fit various 1955-1987 GM vehicles, including the FFR 33 Hotrod and 35 Truck. This kit is perfect for vehicles with lower ground clearance. It offers a maximum stroke of 3.622 inches, a stock oil filter location, and a total capacity of 6.2 quarts with a stock filter. While the windage tray, dipstick, and tube are not included, BluePrint offers a compatible oil filter (BPPB160). This oil pan is designed to universally fit many GM chassis not originally equipped with an LS engine, but modifications to steering, exhaust, and motor mounts may be required.

Mast Motorsports LS Swap Oil Pan

The Mast LS Swap oil pan is designed to simplify the installation of an LS engine into your vehicle. It features a sand cast aluminum construction, eliminating the possibility of leaks from fabricated or welded seams. This oil pan is universally designed for swaps into F-bodies (1st to 3rd generations), G-bodies, A-bodies, street rods, and trucks. It includes innovative oiling circuitry that eliminates the need for expensive adapters for remote oil coolers and oil filters. The Mast LS Swap oil pan maintains the factory oil filter location and is cored and baffled for excellent oil control in various applications.

LS Swap Oil Pans for F-bodies

When it comes to LS swap oil pans for F-bodies, there are several options available, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions to help you make an informed decision.

Holley LS Swap Oil Pans:

Holley offers a range of LS swap oil pans that are designed to address the challenges of fitting an LS engine into an older vehicle. The Holley LS swap oil pans improve upon popular fitments by providing additional clearance and complete kits that simplify the engine swap process.

Holley 302-1 Oil Pan:

The Holley 302-1 oil pan is an excellent choice for F-Body and X-Body platforms. It offers plenty of room and is specifically designed to fit first-generation F-Body and first-generation X-Body cars. However, it also provides excellent fitment for many other applications. This oil pan measures only 5.71 inches in sump depth, giving you more ground clearance.

Holley 302-2 Oil Pan:

The Holley 302-2 oil pan is designed to provide additional clearance on the front portion of the oil pan. It features a similar sump design to the 302-1 but is slightly more shallow for increased clearance. This oil pan is an ideal choice for GM G-Body platforms, which are a popular platform for LS swaps.

Holley 302-3 Oil Pan:

The Holley 302-3 oil pan is specifically designed to fit Fox Body Mustangs. It features additional exterior clearance at the front sump and can accommodate up to a 4.25-inch crankshaft stroke.

Mast LS Swap Oil Pan:

The Mast LS Swap oil pan is another option that simplifies the installation of an LS engine into your vehicle. It is a sand cast aluminum LS oil pan that eliminates the risk of leaking from fabricated or welded seams. This oil pan is designed for swaps into F-bodies (1st to 3rd generations), G-bodies, A-bodies, street rods, and trucks. It maintains the factory oil filter location and includes a sump baffle cover.

GM F-Body Oil Pan (GM Part Number 12628771):

The GM F-Body oil pan, with the part number 12628771, was used from 1998 to 2002 and is a commonly used option for LS swaps. It is also known as the Camaro pan and is one of the most frequently modified pans. This oil pan typically fits 1958-1964 GM cars without any modifications, although the fit is tight.

Other Considerations:

When choosing an LS swap oil pan for an F-body, it is crucial to pay attention to dimensions and take precise measurements of your vehicle. The relationship between the front crossmember and the motor mounts will determine the fit of the oil pan. Additionally, sump depth is a crucial measurement, as a pan with a deep sump may hang below the crossmember, affecting ground clearance.

In conclusion, there are several LS swap oil pan options available for F-bodies, each with its own unique features and fitments. It is important to carefully consider the specific requirements of your vehicle and select an oil pan that addresses any potential clearance issues.

LS Swap Oil Pans for G-bodies

When performing an LS swap on a vehicle, you will likely encounter challenges. Since LS engines were not designed for older model cars, you will need to find the right accessory drive, fuel system, and motor mounts for your specific application. One of the most important components to consider is the oil pan.

In most cases, factory pans will not work due to a lack of clearance around the frame or steering linkage. However, there are many aftermarket options available that can help you install an LS engine into your G-body vehicle.

Holley LS Swap Oil Pans

Holley offers several oil pan solutions for LS swaps, including:

• Holley 302-1: Comparable to the GM Muscle Car Oil Pan Kit, this oil pan has a lower profile for added ground clearance. It fits most GM applications from 1955 to 1987, including first-generation F-Body and X-Body cars.
• Holley 302-2: This oil pan provides additional clearance on the front portion, making it a direct fit for GM G-Body platforms, a popular choice for LS swaps.
• Holley 302-3: The 302-3 oil pan offers even more front clearance and includes two 1/2-inch NPT oil bosses for turbocharged LS combinations. It is suitable for 1978-1987 G-body applications, as well as Fox Body Mustangs. The 302-3 also accommodates a 4.00-inch stroke crankshaft.

Chevrolet Performance LS Muscle Car Oil Pan Kit

Chevrolet Performance offers the LS Muscle Car Oil Pan Kit (PN 19212593), which fits most 1955-1995 GM front-engine, rear-wheel-drive V8 cars. The kit includes bolts, gaskets, a pickup tube, nuts, a windage tray, an oil pan, and a dipstick. This oil pan has a 5-quart capacity and can accept a maximum crankshaft stroke of 3.620 inches.

Moroso Steel Road Race Oil Pan

If you are looking for an LS oil pan for specific applications like street/strip, road racing, or drag racing, Moroso offers fabricated sheet metal oil pans. Their steel road race oil pan (PN 20142) has a 7-quart capacity and is six inches deep. It is compatible with 1978-1988 G-body vehicles, as well as S10/S15 trucks and blazers. Moroso's oil pans feature a race-proven diamond-shaped four-trap door assembly and an anti-slosh baffle that keeps oil in the oil pump pickup area during racing.

Mast Motorsports LS Swap Oil Pan

The Mast LS Swap oil pan is designed for swaps into G-bodies, F-bodies, A-bodies, street rods, and trucks. It is made of sand cast aluminum and features innovative oiling circuitry that eliminates the need for expensive adapters for remote oil coolers and oil filters. It uses a production pan gasket for a perfect seal and maintains the factory oil filter location. The Mast LS Swap oil pan also includes an oil drain on the driver's side of the sump and runs standard GM oil filters.

Frequently asked questions