CORVETTE LS3 PAN in Camaro Nova Subframe

[1fastssnova]

Just wondering if anyone has done this. I am building an LQ4/LS3 6.0L for my '69 Nova. I have an LS3 pan that came off a GMPP crate motor from a friend. My subframe is already notched from the previous BBC that was in there because of the drag race oil pan I was using.

The pan will have no problem clearing in width but my concern will be at back with the draglink and tie rods. Those suspension components are the same height as the notched subframe crossmember. As long as the motor sits high enough it should clear everything. I will be using Dirty Dingo slider mounts.

I know before all these aftermarket pans came out guys used F-Body pans in the Camaro and Nova's and they worked with certain mounts. The older F-Body pan and newer style LS3 pan are not far off in dimensions (the 'Vette pan is actually not as deep). First pic is the F-Body, second is the 'Vette.

7163671637

I will post some pics of the subframe if it will help make more sense of this. Thanks

[TA219]

I am anxious to see what you learn. The section that had to be modified on the old pans is nearly non-existant on this pan. If that works for you, I may do another LSx engine in my newest project. The last swap was excessively costly thanks to $600 oil pans, wiring harnesses, headers, etc...

Then again, I have been out of the scene for a while, so things may have already changed for the better.

[bkeith65]

My LS3 just showed up today. I'll try to get some measurements of the pan tomorrow to compare with some of the aftermarket pans.

[srh3trinity]

Looks like a much better option than older vette pans.

[hifi875]

Sump section looks like it'll have to be cut and shortened

[1fastssnova]

I ordered up a set of Dirty Dingo Sliders. I'm going to use those with factory SBC frame stands and Energy Suspension motor mounts. I like that they raise the engine a 1/4" in height - I figure that may help me to get this pan to work. I will post pics when I trial fit this combo.

I'd really like to start a thread on my build, I'm just leary of not committing the time to updating it on a regular basis. I really appreciate the dedication a lot of guys have on this forum - reading about their experiences has been a big help to me.

[1fastssnova]

If anyone is wondering I found this site which gives excellent dimensions for a bunch of LS factory pans and the Holley Pan:

http://www.improvedracing.com/LS-oil-pan-dimensions.php

I'm sure it's been posted here before. I still haven't test fit the motor. I will post when I get there. Interesting though that the sump difference between the F Body and the Corvette LS2/LS3 is over an inch.

[whytry]

I just want to subscribe to your thread.

Haha. Also building similar setup. LQ4 Procharger with tko600 in 68 Camaro. You are ahead of me tho... I'm still in collection mode. But I was looking ar same sliders with dynatech headers

[whytry]

I've read a couple guys are using this plate.

http://dirtydingo.com/store/index.php?cPath=1_206_305_335. FYI

[1fastssnova]

Ok, the LS2/LS3 pan DOES NOT FIT. The centerlink does clear when the wheels are straight, but it hits the front part of the sump area when turning at almost full lock. After looking at the pan dimensions on http://www.improvedracing.com/LS-oil-pan-dimensions.php, I can say that the F-Body oil pan would have worked without any modification. The sump area is deeper but it's also 2 inches shorter and that would have cleared the centerlink.

I will post some pics of all this as soon as I pull them off the camera. What I am going to do is cut the LS3 pan and make it work, because it is very minimal to make it clear. Not to mention I got the pan for free.

The Dirty Dingo sliders are awesome and allowed me to move the engine back and forth to exactly where I needed it. I also used Kooks LS Swap headers in this mock up. They fit great and cleared my 670 style steering box - which is what I was sweating the most. More to come.

[1fastssnova]

Btw whytry - awesome that you going with the F1R headunit. I am only using the P1-SC. Def will start a thread as this goes so that we can share info on these builds in essentially the same subframes. I was going to get the Dynatech headers also because they most certainly clear the 670 box, but I got a screaming deal on the Kooks and figured stainless would be what I really wanted in the long run.

[1fastssnova]

So, I know it's been a while since I created this thread, but I have some information to share if anyone is interested.

I had to modify the LS3 pan to clear the centerlink on my steering system. Here are some pics of the measurements I took when test fitting the motor in my Nova.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1060681-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1060681.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1060682-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1060682.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1060683-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1060683.jpg.html)

I had a local guy cut and tig weld the modifications necessary to clear the steering. If anyone is out on Long Island, M.I. Performance does great work and his prices are reasonable.

Here's the finished fit:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1070088-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1070088.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1070087-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1070087.jpg.html)

So to recap... this is a Corvette LS2/LS3 factory oil pan, with Dirty Dingo Sliders, Kook's LS FBody/XBody (1 7/8") Swap Headers and a hydraulic clutch setup.

Here is a pic of the clearance with my 670 Delphi steering box from Lee:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1070090-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1070090.jpg.html)

The whole driveline only moved FORWARD about a 1/2" from the original BBC setup. I was able to re-use my tranny cross-member and just elongate the holes a little. Even the driveshaft was still good because the yoke still had plenty of spline engagement.

[jwcarguy]

a CTS-V may have worked also??

[Toddoky]

So, I know it's been a while since I created this thread, but I have some information to share if anyone is interested.

I had to modify the LS3 pan to clear the centerlink on my steering system. Here are some pics of the measurements I took when test fitting the motor in my Nova.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1060681-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1060681.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1060682-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1060682.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1060683-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1060683.jpg.html)

I had a local guy cut and tig weld the modifications necessary to clear the steering. If anyone is out on Long Island, M.I. Performance does great work and his prices are reasonable.

Here's the finished fit:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1070088-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1070088.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1070087-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1070087.jpg.html)

So to recap... this is a Corvette LS2/LS3 factory oil pan, with Dirty Dingo Sliders, Kook's LS FBody/XBody (1 7/8") Swap Headers and a hydraulic clutch setup.

Here is a pic of the clearance with my 670 Delphi steering box from Lee:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1070090-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1070090.jpg.html)

The whole driveline only moved FORWARD about a 1/2" from the original BBC setup. I was able to re-use my tranny cross-member and just elongate the holes a little. Even the driveshaft was still good because the yoke still had plenty of spline engagement. Looks good. You pictures only show the steering centered, how's the pan clearance with the components in full steer in both directions?

[andrewb70]

I also wonder how close the passenger side head is to the firewall. I bet it is really close and if you ever have to service the transmission, the head will smash into the firewall.

Andrew

[1fastssnova]

I will get some more pics for you guys with steering a full lock left and right, and also the pass side cylinder head and firewall clearance. I think it is about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.

[1fastssnova]

Ok, got some pictures here to see the wheels turned at full lock and the firewall clearance as well.

Here's the left and right wheels turned:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1080284-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1080284.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1080285-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1080285.jpg.html)

I am also posting this picture to show that I do have the sub frame below the pan notched. It was done long before the LS swap, for the Milodon pan I was using with a big block Chevy (http://www.milodon.com/oil-pans/31187_small.gif)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1080288-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1080288.jpg.html)

I don't think it would have been necessary to notch it with the LS3 pan and definitely not with the LS1 F-Body pan.

And here is the firewall clearance. I think it is about an inch. Andrewb70, you are right. if I pulled the tranny off, I would definitely have to wedge a chock in between the motor and firewall to avoid contact.

Driver side:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1080296-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1080296.jpg.html)
Passenger side:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/P1080297-1.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/frankpul/media/Nova%20LS%20Build/P1080297.jpg.html)