Removing Bbc Oil Pan From A 70 Nova: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to remove the BBC oil pan from your 70 Nova, you're in for a challenge. While it's not impossible, it's certainly a tight fit and will require some careful manoeuvring. Some people have managed to do it without pulling the engine, but most recommend just taking the engine out to make your life easier. If you're determined to try it with the engine still in the car, you'll need to jack up the engine as high as you can and even then, it might be a very tight squeeze. You may need to unbolt the rear transmission mount and remove the distributor cap to get a little extra clearance. Be very careful not to damage any other components in the process. It's also worth noting that an oil pan leak might be fixed by simply applying some The Right Stuff sealant to the rear of the pan.

Jack up the engine

Jacking up the engine of a 70 Nova requires careful preparation and a good deal of caution. It is important to use the right tools and to stabilise the vehicle securely.

Firstly, you will need to source a jack. A hydraulic jack is a good option and can be used in conjunction with a block of wood placed on the engine crank pulley or oil pan. It is worth noting that some oil pans are not designed to support the full weight of the engine, so use your best judgement and be careful not to damage any part of the car. Always check the oil pan itself for any warnings about using it as a jacking point.

Before you begin, ensure the vehicle is supported on jack stands and test for stability by giving it a good shake. It is better to do this when you are not under the car; it is far safer for the car to fall while testing than while you are underneath it.

Once you are satisfied that the car is stable, you can begin to jack up the engine. Take your time and use caution, ensuring that you do not damage any part of the engine or car.

With the engine securely jacked up, you can now begin to remove the oil pan. This process will involve undoing bolts and carefully lowering the oil pan, ensuring that you do not spill any oil. It is important to have a container ready to catch any oil that may spill.

Use a Moroso oil pan

When removing a BBC oil pan from a 70 Nova, one recommended option is to use a Moroso oil pan. Moroso offers a range of oil pans compatible with Chevy Novas, including the Gen V and Gen VI engines.

One specific product is the Moroso 20413 oil pan, which has a deep sump designed for stroker crankshafts. This particular model has been confirmed to fit in a 1969 Nova with a Gen VI engine. Another option is the Moroso 20409 oil pan, which is compatible with Gen 5 and Gen 6 BBC engines in 70 and 72 Novas with big-block Chevy frame mounts.

When selecting a Moroso oil pan, it is important to confirm fitment with the specific vehicle and engine configuration. Moroso oil pans are available in different materials, such as steel and aluminium, and offer various features like trap door baffles, windage trays, and scraper designs.

In addition to the oil pan, it is recommended to purchase the Moroso oil pump pickup and the Moroso louvered windage tray to ensure a proper installation and optimal performance. These components are designed to work together and can be found on Moroso's website or through authorised dealers and online retailers.

By choosing a Moroso oil pan, you can be confident in the product's quality and compatibility with your 70 Nova, ensuring a successful oil pan removal and installation process.

Use a one-piece oil pan gasket

Using a one-piece oil pan gasket has its advantages. For example, Fel-Pro's one-piece oil pan gasket has a rigid carrier for durability, perfect alignment, and an instant fit. The gasket also has torque limiters to prevent over-compression of the gasket and deformation of sealing surfaces.

When using a one-piece oil pan gasket, it is important to consider the type of material it is made of and how it should be installed. For instance, a gasket made of silicone rubber can eliminate leak paths, especially in problem corner areas. On the other hand, a gasket made of cork-rubber combines the qualities of cork and rubber gaskets, maintaining its shape and flexibility while being highly compressible.

When installing a one-piece oil pan gasket, it is recommended to use a bead of RTV and cork gaskets to ensure a better seal. Additionally, tightening the bolts after a running cycle is not necessary, and the torque settings should be in inch-pounds. To clean the block prior to installation, you can use a degreaser, some 400-grit paper, and Dawn dish soap, followed by water.

It is worth noting that some people have experienced issues with one-piece oil pan gaskets, such as leaks, and have suggested switching to cork gaskets or using a different type of sealant. However, others have found success with the same type of gasket, highlighting the importance of proper installation and torque settings.

Remove the headers

To remove the headers of a 70 Nova, you will need to refer to the make and model of the headers themselves, as different types will have different removal processes.

For example, if you are removing Hooker Pro Comp headers, you will need to access the driver's side header from under the car, and be aware that the AC box will make this process more difficult. You may need to bend a wrench or cut the head off of one to make it fit.

If you are removing the Summit Racing headers, as recommended by user Novaman Oscar, these should fit in perfectly and look pretty nice.

For Hedman Street Headers, refer to the instructions provided by user DERYL ATANASU.

For Jegs long tube headers, be aware that you will need to dimple a couple for plug boot clearance, as well as a little for clutch linkage.

For Flowtech long tube headers, note that you will need to raise the motor by about 6 inches to get them in and out. The bolts are very close to the tubes, making removal difficult, especially next to the firewall.

For Patriot Headers, refer to the instructions provided by user RoyL.

Remove the oil pan bolts

To remove the oil pan bolts, start by loosening them in a sequence, beginning at the bolt located at the rear of the pan. This will help to avoid warping the oil pan. Once the bolts are loose, you can then remove them. If the bolts are too tight or difficult to remove, you may need to use a breaker bar or impact wrench for additional leverage. Be careful not to strip the threads when applying force.

It is also important to note that some oil pans have a different bolt pattern and may require a different approach. In some cases, you may need to raise or tilt the engine to access all the bolts. This can be done by using an engine hoist or jack to carefully lift the engine. Ensure that the engine is securely supported before proceeding. Additionally, you may need to remove or adjust certain components, such as the distributor or steering linkage, to create enough clearance for the oil pan to be removed.

Before removing the oil pan bolts, it is recommended to drain the oil and place a drain pan underneath to collect any remaining oil. This will help to minimise mess and ensure a safer work environment. It is also important to have a plan for catching or containing any oil that may spill during the removal process.

Once the bolts are removed, you can then carefully lower the oil pan. Depending on the vehicle and oil pan design, you may need to tilt or angle the pan to clear any obstructions. It is important to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the oil pan or any surrounding components.

Frequently asked questions