Mustang Ls Swap: Choosing The Right Oil Pan

When it comes to choosing the right oil pan for an LS swap 67 Mustang, there are several options available, each with its own advantages and considerations. One crucial factor to keep in mind is the ground clearance, as some oil pans may hang below the crossmember, which can cause issues. To address this, aftermarket LS Swap oil pans are designed to offer improved clearance and compatibility. For instance, the Holley 302-1 oil pan provides a sump depth of only 5.71 inches, resulting in increased ground clearance. Additionally, the GM F-Body oil pan (GM part number 12628771) used from 1998 to 2002 is a popular choice due to its sump design. Another option is the Hummer H3 Alpha or Chevy Colorado oil pan (GM part number 12614821), which offers similar benefits. It's important to carefully select the oil pan that best suits your specific vehicle and requirements to ensure a stress-free LS swap.

LS Swap Oil Pan Kits

When it comes to LS swap oil pan kits for a 67 Mustang, there are a few options available that will ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance. Swapping an LS engine into a classic car like a 67 Mustang can be a challenging task, but selecting the right oil pan can make the process smoother. Here are some detailed insights and recommendations for LS swap oil pan kits:

Holley LS Swap Oil Pan Kits

Holley offers a range of LS swap oil pan kits that are specifically designed to address the challenges of engine swaps. They provide three main options:

• Holley 302-1 Oil Pan Kit: This kit features an oil pan with a similar design to the fourth-generation F-Body oil pan. It fits various GM applications from 1955 to 1987 and is particularly suited for first-generation F-Body and X-Body cars. The sump depth of this oil pan is 5.71 inches, offering ample ground clearance. The kit includes the oil pan, oil passage cover, oil filter stud, sump plug, sump baffle, a dipstick, gasket, RTV, and oil pan bolts.
• Holley 302-2 Oil Pan Kit: The 302-2 design provides additional clearance on the front portion of the oil pan, making it ideal for GM G-Body platforms, a popular choice for LS swaps. The sump is also slightly shallower for better clearance.
• Holley 302-3 Oil Pan Kit: This kit features the most front sump clearance among the three options, allowing it to fit Fox Body Mustangs. The 302-3 also has added internal clearance to support a 4.25-inch crankshaft stroke.

Holley's LS swap oil pan kits are designed to simplify the engine swap process and provide a perfect fit for your 67 Mustang.

Scram Speed LSX to Fox Body Mustang Oil Pan Kit

The Scram Speed LSX to Fox Body Mustang Oil Pan Kit is specifically designed for LS series GM engines being installed into 1979-2004 Ford Mustangs and other Fox-based cars like the Fairmont. This kit addresses the issue of the stock truck pan not fitting or hanging too low. It offers improved ground and crossmember clearance compared to the stock truck pan. The kit includes a cast aluminum 5-quart oil pan, a reusable oil pan gasket, an oil pump pickup, a windage tray, an oil cooler block-off plate, an O-ring dipstick tube, and all necessary hardware for installation.

GM Hotrod Pan Kit

The GM Hotrod Pan Kit, also known as GM part number 19212593, is a popular choice for LS swaps. It offers improved clearance and is suitable for lowered vehicles. This kit typically includes the oil pan, gasket, tray, hardware, and a dip tube. It can be sourced from various retailers, including Summit Racing, and is generally priced around $150 or less.

Other Considerations

When selecting an LS swap oil pan kit for your 67 Mustang, it's important to consider the specific engine you are using and the clearance requirements. Some popular options for LS swaps include the F-body pan, H3 pan, and aftermarket pans. The CTS-V pan is also recommended for vehicles with airbag suspension. Additionally, ensure that you have the necessary components, such as a windage tray and oil pickup tube, as some kits may not include them.

In conclusion, when performing an LS swap for a 67 Mustang, selecting the right oil pan kit is crucial. The options provided above offer solutions for a range of vehicle configurations and clearance requirements. Remember to carefully review the specifications and ensure that the kit you choose is compatible with your engine and vehicle model.

Ground clearance

When it comes to LS swap projects, the oil pan can be one of the biggest roadblocks. The right oil pan will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the specifics of your LS swap. Ground clearance is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an oil pan, as you want to ensure that the pan does not hang too low and interfere with the crossmember or other components.

For a 1967 Mustang, there are several options for oil pans that offer good ground clearance. Here are some recommendations and key considerations:

• Holley offers a range of LS Swap Oil Pans designed to fit various vehicles, including the Fox Body Mustang. Their oil pans are known for providing additional clearance, which can be beneficial for ground clearance.
• The GM F-Body oil pan (GM part number 12628771) is a popular choice for LS swaps due to its sump design. It was used from 1998 to 2002 and is known for its compatibility with older vehicles.
• The Hummer H3 Alpha or Chevy Colorado oil pan (GM part number 12614821) is another option with a similar design to the GM Muscle Car oil pan. However, it has a very deep sump, measuring 7.75 inches, which may cause it to hang below the crossmember.
• The Camaro/Trans Am LS1 oil pan, pickup tube, and windage tray offer a low profile and excellent clearance. They are often recommended for lowered vehicles as they provide even more clearance than the "GM hot rod swap pan."
• The F-body pan is also a popular choice, as it is over an inch shallower in the sump than the CTS-V pan. This can help prevent the oil pan from hanging too low and interfering with the crossmember.
• The GM Hotrod pan is another option that typically sits at or slightly above the crossmember level. It is important to note that this pan is different from the stock GM truck pan, which tends to hang low.
• The GTO pan is recommended by some for its modern design and effective oil distribution, even during acceleration. However, it features a front sump design, which may not be ideal for all applications.
• The Holley 302-3 oil pan is specifically designed to provide additional exterior clearance at the front sump, making it a good choice for vehicles that need extra ground clearance. It also offers added internal clearance to support up to a 4.25-inch crankshaft stroke.

When choosing an oil pan for your LS swap, it is essential to consider the ground clearance, vehicle compatibility, and your specific engine configuration. Consulting with specialists or forums dedicated to LS swaps can provide valuable insights and recommendations for your particular vehicle.

Oil pan sump depth

The oil pan sump depth is a crucial measurement when choosing an oil pan for an LS swap. The sump depth, or the distance from the oil pan rail to the lowest point of the sump, determines the amount of ground clearance your vehicle will have. A deeper sump provides more oil capacity but can cause the oil pan to hang below the crossmember, potentially damaging the pan and causing oil leaks.

For a 67 Mustang, there are several options for LS swap oil pans with different sump depths. One popular option is the GM Muscle Car oil pan (GM Part #19212593), which has a sump depth of 7.75 inches. This oil pan offers fitment for many applications, but the deep sump may cause clearance issues. Another option is the Holley 302-1 oil pan, which has a sump depth of only 5.71 inches, providing more ground clearance. This oil pan is designed to fit GM F-Body (1967-1969) and GM X-Body (1968-1974) platforms.

When choosing an oil pan for an LS swap, it is important to consider the clearance between the oil pan and the crossmember. A pan with a deeper sump may provide more oil capacity but can also hang lower, potentially causing damage. It is also important to ensure that the oil pan does not interfere with the steering linkage and has proper clearance.

In addition to the sump depth, other factors to consider when choosing an oil pan for an LS swap include the oil capacity, the availability of complete kits, and the compatibility with the vehicle's existing wiring harness. It is also important to ensure that the oil pan includes the necessary components, such as a gasket, bolts, and a dipstick.

Compatibility with other car parts

When it comes to compatibility with other car parts, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind for an LS swap in a 1967 Mustang. Firstly, the oil pan should provide adequate clearance from other components, such as the crossmember and steering linkage. A common issue with LS swaps is the oil pan hanging below the crossmember, so choosing an oil pan with the right sump depth is crucial. Holley offers a range of LS Swap Oil Pans with different sump designs and clearance options to ensure compatibility.

In addition to the oil pan, other engine components such as the intake manifold, headers, and accessory drive systems may require compatibility checks. Ensuring that the LS engine fits within the engine bay of the Mustang without interfering with surrounding parts is essential. This may involve modifying the engine mounts or fabricating custom brackets to secure the engine in the desired position.

Furthermore, the LS engine's electronics and wiring must be integrated with the Mustang's existing systems. This includes connecting the engine to the vehicle's wiring harness and ensuring that sensors, such as the oil level sensor, are compatible or properly calibrated.

When performing an LS swap, it is also important to consider the compatibility of the transmission and drivetrain components. The LS engine may require a different transmission crossmember and transmission mount compared to the original Mustang powertrain. Additionally, the driveshaft, axle, and differential may need to be upgraded to handle the increased power and torque of the LS engine.

Another aspect of compatibility is the fuel system. LS engines typically use electronic fuel injection, so converting the Mustang's fuel system or upgrading to an EFI fuel conversion system may be necessary. This involves installing new fuel lines, fuel pumps, and fuel tanks that are compatible with the LS engine's fuel requirements.

Lastly, the cooling system, including the radiator, water pump, and hoses, should be evaluated for compatibility. The LS engine may have different cooling requirements compared to the original Mustang engine, and ensuring adequate cooling capacity is essential for the performance and longevity of the vehicle.

Oil filter adapters

When it comes to oil filter adapters, there are a variety of options available depending on your specific needs and vehicle. Oil filter adapters are used to replace the factory oil filter with an aftermarket one, or to relocate the oil filter for easier access. Here are some detailed paragraphs on oil filter adapters:

Spin-On Oil Filter Adapters

Spin-on oil filter adapters allow you to convert from cartridge-style oil filters to spin-on oil filters. This type of adapter typically comes with an integrated hex for easy installation and tightening. It's important to consider the added distance that the adapter will create between the engine filter housing and the spin-on filter. Adapters like the Baxter Performance Spin-On Oil Filter Adapter offer an easy and reliable solution for those who want to switch to spin-on oil filters.

Thread and Hose Adapters

Thread and hose adapters are used to connect different types of oil filters and oil cooler systems. These adapters come in various sizes and configurations, such as 1/2-28 female to 3/4-16 male connectors. They are usually made of lightweight aluminum and feature a black anodized finish for corrosion resistance. Some adapters, like the KIPA Oil Filter Adapter, are designed for specific engine types, such as small block Chevy V8 engines.

Oil Filter Spacers

Oil filter spacers are used in vehicles with recessed oil filter landings. They provide additional clearance between the oil filter and the engine, ensuring a proper fit. The sūsa Oil Filter Spacer, for example, is designed for this purpose and offers features for different vehicle scenarios.

Sandwich Oil Filter Adapters

Sandwich oil filter adapters are installed between the engine block and the oil filter, providing a port for an oil cooler or external oil thermostatic control. The sūsa HyperFlow Billet Sandwich Oil Filter Adapter is an example of this type of adapter, designed for easy access to the oil supply when installing oil coolers.

Remote Oil Filter Stands

Remote oil filter stands relocate the oil filter to a more accessible location, making filter changes easier. They are often used in conjunction with sandwich adapters to provide additional clearance and flexibility. The sūsa Remote Oil Filter Stand is one such product, offering convenient access to the oil filter.

In addition to these options, there are also vehicle-specific oil filter adapters, such as the Allstar Performance ALL92003 for Ford 302-351W engines, and the Melling MFA350, which is compatible with a range of Chevy V8 engines. When choosing an oil filter adapter, it's important to consider the specific requirements of your vehicle and the benefits offered by each type of adapter.

Frequently asked questions