68 camaro with LS. Oil pan change out.

[andy49]

I have a 68 camaro with a LS6 in it, the oil pan that is on it, hangs 2" below the front cross member. I want to change it out, do I have to pull the motor to do that. Driving it around I have to be very cautious , I've already hit it a couple of times.
What do I have to do to get this oil pan changed out?
Allan

[Schwartz Performance]

The LS oil pans are much easier to swap than the old small blocks. However, you still need room to go below the pickup tube which can be a pain.. And also swapping in a new pickup tube you have to be very careful not to mess the O-ring up, that's a very important step.
You don't need to take anything off but the transmission.
Last helpful hint, the rear two bolts on the oil pan are smaller than the rest and require less torque to tighten than the rest. I learned the hard way :)

-Dale

[andy49]

Dale,
do you think I need to unbolt the motor from the.mounts, for clearance. Plus what oil pan do you recommend.
Can you explain the o-ring on the pickup tube? You said don't mess it up.
Go to know about those 2 bolts as well.
Thanks Allan.

[Schwartz Performance]

It wouldn't hurt. I'm not sure what kind of clearance you have.. If it's a factory subframe it may be a little hard with the steering in the way.
The pickup tube has an oring that fits into the oil pump. This is the most common mess-up on pan swaps, if you don't get it seated right and it tears even slightly, it'll suck air from there instead of oil from in the sump- and you will lose oil pressure. If you're very mechanical, give it a try, otherwise I'd seek professional help!
The Holley 302-2 I believe is the new part number designed for first gens. Read the instructions for the pan as there may be other parts you need like a new dipstick and/or windage tray.

-Dale

[andy49]

Thank you, looks like a winter project, I will use the Holley pan. I feel better about the whole situation.

[Z06vet]

If you switch to the new style oil pan you will have to get the motor mounts that go with it, I believe. Those mounts may affect your current header fitment as well. Best to give holley a call to get a plan. Personally I'd rather just pull the motor than pull the trans, and still probably fighting the pan the whole way. Plus I feel like I could do a better job installing the new pickup & pan with the motor out- less likey to make a mistake. Now if you have a lift, it may not be quite as bad. Scott