[sexypizzaman]

Hey guys I was just wondering if the small block chevy 400 uses a different oil pan than the other small blocks? The reason I ask is because I have just built a 383 and I need to know if a 350 oil pan will bolt on there clearing the larger throws of the crank.

Thanks in advance,
keith

[pepi]

I think not, the 350 pan will be fine, I assume you have a 400 crank in a 350 block. same set up i run , it will hold you in the seat real good ,a blast of a motor to drive. You do know you will need to run the 400 balancer, right? It is externally balanced and heftier then the standard 350 balancer.

[sexypizzaman]

Thanks for the info pepi,

I do know about all the clearancing issues and such if I used a stock GM 400 crank but I bought the entire rotating 383 Scat assembly internally balanced (cost me a pretty penny) so I am set with the stock 350 flywheel (but we all like aftermarket lightweight flywheels as well )

My main concern is the issue of the oil pan because that is the next expense on my list and I want to make sure I can use a standard SBC oil pan and it will clear the crank.

Thanks again for your reply I really appreciate it!

Speed Kills,
Do your part,
DRIVE SLOW,
Drive a mustang.

[VEGA 3503508.5]

make sure you get the right oil pan gasket.

In case you are not aware-- there is a thick and thin version. More than likely you will need the thick one. Do a search on thick gasket to find out the details.

Just thought I'd thow that out there since I found out the hard way.

[red_rider52]

My stock oil pan rubbed the crank on my 383 just enough to wear out a spot weld that holds the baffle I did not know it was rubbing and once it let go it made an awful sound when running. but luckily it did not hurt anything. maybe I used the thin gasket that vega is talking about?

[sexypizzaman]

I am looking at the 7 quart deep sump chrome oil pans. They are advertised for a SBC so with all of this info I will assume it will match up

Thanks Guys.

[MI2600]

The pan on my 383 had to "clearanced" along the side rails. Just a slight adjustment. I would check while the block is on the stand. I didn't find out until the engine was in.

[GoneNova/406]

1955-74' are thin gaskets and 75'-85' are thick but most people use the new one piece anyway.one way to tell if in doubt is,,if a .006"-.010" feeler guage will fit between timing chain cover and oil pan,,you need the thick seal.the pans are the same.

[PatM]

I think the pan you are planning to use should work fine, but as someone else said, check it as the engine goes together. Regarding the thick/thin gasket I thought that was just the thickness of the front oil seal portion of the gasket???? I also thought that about 99.9% of new aftermarket pans were designed for the thicker front seal . . . . But, maybe I've been halucinating. Some aftermarket Chev pans, particularly the ones made of cast aluminum, present problems for the 383 conversion, but you said you were looking at 7 Qt chrome. FYI -- I strongly recommend something like a Milodon, or other name brand. I bought Tiawanese the first time (with the matching pickup) and there was insufficient side cleance between the pan and the pickup. Couldn't get the pan bolts in the holes. I could have solved the problem with a die grinder inside the pan (cutting away flashing) but then I'd need to find a way to get it 100% clean. That seemed impossible with all the dust traps that were there. So Milodon finally got my money anyway.

Pat

[VEGA 3503508.5]

I have the milodon on my 350. rubber gasket with the metal stops. thick front, not a single drop of oil on the driveway.

[sexypizzaman]

Thanks for all the help guys!

cheers,
Keith