Will An Ls Truck Oil Pan Fit In Any Car?

When swapping an LS engine into a muscle car, classic truck, or sports car, the oil pan is one of the most important things to consider. The LS family has many different pans that come in various sizes, depending on whether they were intended for cars or trucks. Trucks, for example, have larger oil pans to accommodate higher oil capacity, while cars have smaller pans to fit in compact sports cars.

The Camaro F-Body pan is one of the most popular styles used in LS swaps because it measures roughly 5 5/8 tall at the sump, which is over 2 inches shorter than a truck pan. This means that, in most cases, the pan will be protected by the engine's cross member.

Holley offers a range of LS Swap Oil Pans, including the 302-1, 302-2, and 302-3, which provide additional front clearance and are perfect for LS swaps. The selection of Holley oil pans will fit most engine swaps, but more obscure swaps may require further modification to the pan or custom mounts.

LS swap oil pan options

When swapping an LS engine into a non-LS vehicle, the oil pan is often the most challenging part of the process. The front suspension system and clearance differ from those of the original engine, requiring some modifications to make the LS engine fit.

There are several stock oil pans available for LS engines, each designed for a specific chassis. The relationship between the front crossmember and the motor mounts determines the fit of the oil pan. The most commonly used stock oil pan is the Camaro/Firebird pan, which fits most 1958–1964 GM cars without modification.

If you're looking for an aftermarket oil pan, Holley offers three options for LS Swap Oil Pans:

• The original design, part number 302-1, is similar to the fourth-generation F-Body oil pan and fits many GM applications from 1955 to 1987.
• The second design, the 302-2, provides additional clearance on the front portion of the oil pan and fits GM G-Body platforms.
• The third design, the 302-3, features additional exterior clearance and fits Fox Body Mustangs. It also has added internal clearance to support a larger crankshaft stroke.

Another option for an LS Swap Oil Pan is the Mast LS Swap oil pan, which is designed to simplify the installation of an LS engine. It is universally designed to fit F-bodies (1st - 3rd), G-bodies, A-bodies, street rods, and trucks. It also includes enlarged oil passage holes and an internal cross drill to eliminate the need for an external oil loop cap when using a standard filter.

When choosing an oil pan for your LS swap, it's important to consider the engine bay, crossmember, and steering clearances. Each oil pan also requires its own specific windage tray, pick-up tube, and dipstick, so make sure to select an option that includes these parts to avoid additional purchases.

LS oil pan dimensions

The oil pan is a crucial component of an engine, serving as a reservoir for the engine's oil. The dimensions of an LS oil pan can vary depending on the specific vehicle and engine configuration. Here is some detailed information about LS oil pan dimensions:

Holley LSx Pan:

This oil pan is designed for various GM muscle cars, classic cars, and truck chassis. It has a depth of 5.89 inches, a sump length of 7.65 inches, a sump width of 9.75 inches, and a total oil capacity of 6 quarts.

GM Truck/SUV Oil Pan:

The GM Truck/SUV Oil Pan is compatible with a range of Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles from 2007 to the present. It has a capacity of 6 quarts and uses an M22 x 1.5mm oil filter thread.

F-Body Camaro/Firebird LS1 Oil Pan:

This oil pan is suitable for 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro and 2002 Pontiac Firebird models with a 5.7L V8 engine. It uses a pre-June 2007 13/16"-16 oil filter thread and a post-June 2007 M22 x 1.5mm thread.

C6 Corvette LS2/LS3 Oil Pan:

The C6 Corvette LS2/LS3 Oil Pan is designed for 2005 to present Chevrolet Corvette models with a non-dry sump. It has a capacity of 5.5 quarts and uses the same oil filter thread specifications as the F-Body Camaro/Firebird LS1 Oil Pan.

GM 2010-2015 LS3, L99 Camaro/G8/SS Oil Pan:

Compatible with 2010-2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS, 2008-2009 Pontiac G8, and Holden VE Commodore/Chevy SS models, this oil pan has an 8-quart capacity and utilizes an M22 x 1.5mm oil filter thread.

GM 2004+ LS2/LS6/LSA Cadillac CTS-V Oil Pan:

This oil pan is designed for the 2008 and newer Cadillac CTS-V, with the 2004-2007 oil pan being nearly identical. It has a capacity of 6 quarts and uses an M22 x 1.5mm oil filter thread.

GM 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO Oil Pan:

The GM 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO Oil Pan is also compatible with the 2001-2005 Holden Monaro, Holden Commodore, and Vauxhall Monaro. It has a capacity of 6 quarts and uses a pre-June 2007 13/16"-16 and a post-June 2007 M22 x 1.5mm oil filter thread.

Holley 302-1 LS Retro-Fit Oil Pan:

This oil pan is suitable for various GM muscle cars, classic cars, and truck chassis. It uses an M22 x 1.5mm oil filter thread and includes a pickup tube, windage tray, dipstick tube, and other necessary components.

Holley 302-2 Front Clearance LS Retro-Fit Oil Pan:

The Holley 302-2 oil pan offers improved clearance in the steering area and features an oil return bung. It has a capacity of 6.2 quarts and uses an M22 x 1.5mm oil filter thread.

Mast Motorsport LS Swap Oil Pan:

The Mast Motorsport oil pan is designed for stroked road racing applications and features a built-in sump baffling. It uses an M22 x 1.5mm oil filter thread and includes a pickup tube, windage tray, dipstick, dipstick tube, and other necessary components.

GM Muscle Car Oil Pan (H3 Hummer):

With a capacity of 5.5 quarts, this oil pan is designed for the H3 Hummer. It uses a pre-June 2007 13/16"-16 and a post-June 2007 M22 x 1.5mm oil filter thread.

LS oil pan installation

This guide will take you through the process of installing an LS oil pan in your vehicle. It is important to follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful installation and avoid any leaks.

Preparation

Before beginning the installation, it is crucial to drain the crankcase and support the engine with a suitable fixture. You will also need to remove or disconnect several components, including the negative battery cable, engine mount-to-cradle bolts, lower shock bolts, and intermediate steering shaft bolt.

Removing the Old Oil Pan

To remove the old oil pan, follow these steps:

• Support the engine cradle.
• Loosen the cradle bolts.
• Lower the cradle and remove the oil pan.
• Drill out the oil pan gasket rivets and remove the old gasket.

Installing the New Oil Pan

• Clean the new oil pan thoroughly to ensure it is free of any contaminants.
• Apply a 5mm bead of sealant to the engine block, specifically to the tabs of the rear and front cover gaskets that protrude into the oil pan surface.
• Pre-assemble the oil pan gasket to the new pan.
• Install the oil pan bolts to the pan through the gasket.
• Install the oil pan, gasket, and bolts to the engine block. Ensure that the rear of the oil pan is flush or even with the engine block and transmission housing plate.
• Tighten the bolts finger-tight. Do not overtighten at this stage.
• Align the oil pan correctly, using a straight edge across the rear of the engine block and the oil pan at the transmission housing mounting surfaces.
• Tighten the bolts with the specified torque values:

• Oil pan-to-block and oil pan-to-oil pan front cover bolts: 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm)
• Oil pan-to-rear cover bolts: 106 inch lbs. (12 Nm)

Reassembling the Components

• Install the engine cradle and torque the upper four bolts to 92 ft. lbs. (125 Nm) and the lower two bolts to 107 ft. lbs. (145 Nm).
• Install the side closeouts and tighten the bolts to 106 inch lbs. (12 Nm).
• Install the starter motor and torque the bolts to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm).
• Install the oil level sensor and torque it to 26 ft. lbs. (35 Nm).
• Install the intermediate steering shaft bolt and torque it to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm).
• Install the left and right lower shock bolts and torque them to 48 ft. lbs. (65 Nm).
• Install the left and right engine mount-to-cradle bolts and torque them to 43 ft. lbs. (58 Nm).
• Reconnect the negative battery cable.
• Refill the crankcase.
• Start the engine and check for any leaks.

By following these steps, you can ensure a proper LS oil pan installation and maintain the performance and integrity of your vehicle's engine.

LS oil pan clearance

When swapping an LS engine into a vehicle, one of the most challenging aspects is ensuring proper clearance for the oil pan. The oil pan, crossmember, and steering linkage are common interference points, and adequate clearance is crucial for a seamless engine swap. Here are some key considerations and guidelines regarding LS oil pan clearance:

Vehicle Compatibility

The LS oil pan you choose must have sufficient clearance and be compatible with your specific vehicle model. Holley offers a range of LS Swap Oil Pans designed for various GM platforms, including:

• Holley 302-1: Suitable for first-generation F-Body and X-Body cars and other GM applications from 1955 to 1987.
• Holley 302-2: Provides additional front clearance and is a direct fit for GM G-Body platforms.
• Holley 302-3: Features the most front clearance and is compatible with Ford Fox Body Mustangs. It also accommodates a 4.25-inch crankshaft stroke.

Sump Depth

Sump depth is a critical measurement when considering oil pan clearance. Deeper sumps can cause the oil pan to hang below the crossmember. For example, the GM Muscle Car oil pan (GM Part #19212593) has a sump depth of 7.75 inches, while the Holley 302-1 oil pan offers more ground clearance with a sump depth of 5.71 inches.

Oil Pan Comparison

According to Dirty Dingo, the clearance provided by different LS oil pans can be ranked as follows:

> Truck pan < Muscle Car" Pan < Holley 302-1 F Body < Holley 302-2 < Holley 302-3

Aftermarket Options

Aftermarket companies like Holley and Speed Engineering offer LS swap oil pans designed to provide improved clearance over stock options. These pans are made of cast machined aluminum and are engineered to fit various LS-based engines, ensuring optimal clearance for your swap application.

In summary, when swapping an LS engine, selecting the correct oil pan with adequate clearance is essential. By considering vehicle compatibility, sump depth, and choosing from reputable aftermarket options, you can ensure a trouble-free LS oil pan installation with optimal clearance for your vehicle.

LS oil pan modifications

When swapping an LS engine into a different vehicle, it is important to ensure that the oil pan has sufficient clearance and fits the application. The crossmember and steering linkage are common interference points, and proper clearance is crucial for a successful engine swap.

Common LS Oil Pans

There are several stock LS oil pans available, each designed for a specific chassis. The most commonly used LS oil pan is the 1998-2002 F-Body LS1 pan, also known as the Camaro/Firebird pan. It fits most 1958-1964 GM cars without modifications and is the most frequently modified pan. Other popular stock oil pans include the 2002-2006 C/K Truck pan, the C5 Corvette "Y" or "batwing" pan, and the Cadillac CTS-V pan.

Oil Pan Fitment Issues

When swapping an LS engine into a non-GM vehicle or a vehicle with a unique chassis, fitment issues may arise. The oil pan may interfere with the front crossmember, requiring modifications such as cutting and welding. Additionally, the sump depth should be considered, as a low-hanging sump can result in insufficient ground clearance, especially on lowered vehicles.

Aftermarket LS Oil Pans

To address fitment issues, several aftermarket companies offer LS oil pans with improved clearance and compatibility. Holley, for example, offers LS Swap oil pans with additional clearance, simplifying the swap process. Speed Engineering also offers an LS Swap Conversion Oil Pan designed to fit all LS-based engines, providing improved clearance for swap applications.

Oil Pan Selection Considerations

When selecting an oil pan, it is important to consider the engine bay, crossmember, and steering clearances. The sump depth should be evaluated to ensure sufficient ground clearance. Additionally, each oil pan requires its own specific windage tray, pick-up tube, and dipstick, so these components should be included or sourced separately. The displacement-on-demand (DoD) engines have an oil-pressure bypass valve built into the oil pan, which is important to consider when choosing an oil pan for an engine swap.

Frequently asked questions