Thinking about an LS3....

[Bonehead]

I can tell you the holley 302-1 pan DOES NOT FIT the 64-67s. The tie rods smack the sides of that pan big time. You really have to raise the engine up quite a bit to clear it. They updated that pan and came out with a 302-2, but I have not heard (or seen any pictures of) someone who has successfully used this pan on the early a-bodys. The GM "muscle car pan" doesn't fit either. Same clearance issues as the 302-1. I finally struck gold with the Canton 15-274 pan. It cleared everything. Tie rods, cross member no problems. Used small block frame mounts, Energy Suspension engine mounts and Dirty Dingo sliders. Fits brilliantly. It also clears a stroked LS, which I have.

[bmbrzmn101]

Thanks Bonehead for that and the pix. I was looking into that same Holley pan. The dirty dingos I have read good and bad. Only consistent con to them seem to be around the header clearances. We shall see.

Thanks, Chris

[Bonehead]

I have zero experience with headers on an LS. All my stuff is turbocharged and I use the factory manifolds! There have been quite a few Chevelle specific discussions at Team Chevelle in the LSX Engine forum. I know there are a few guys working with the DD sliders and headers right now. Though I think its been troublesome for them.

[mikidymac]

I am not sure about the iron block LS's but I have been told from many different sources and a good friend that is actually an engine builder for a living that at least on the aluminum LS's the oil pan is a structural member and to never use the stamped steel pans on them. I am no expert on the issue but I would look into it before you buy one. I know for limited clearance on the early chevelles the MAST Motorsports pan gets good reviews.