[TorkMonster400]

I put the 406 i built into the truck the other day my oil pan doesn't fit here is my situation should I

1. take motor back out, take off oil pan, take off oil pump, buy new oil pan and pump, hope it fits my rod stroke put all back together install.

2. take motor out cut front crossmember 2inch weld new support back in cross member, hope it fits right! install with oil pan I have

The kit I used to put this in is a Transdapt part that should fit but my Summit 7qt oil pan is to big. It will fit a stock pan But will a 3.75 stroke 406 fit in a stock pan I also have a larger windage tray.

1st motor in truck
2nd looking from top passanger side of oil pan hitting crossmember
3rd looking under the truck at oilpan
4th looking under oil pan
5th me sayin Thanks

Im kindof stuck on what to do, Please help

[cobalt327]

You could use a stock, 5 qt. pan and pick up for same. It will clear a 3.75" stroke, just check it to be sure that it hasn't been bent previously- the OEM pans will clear a 400 stroke crank, though.

If you need the extra capacity and depth, there are other pans that have the same "footprint" as the OEM pan, only deeper. It would obviously require a deeper p-u.

[TorkMonster400]

so i should change the pan and not cut the crossmember if it will clear the stroke. That is the direction I was leaning in but it kinda sucks oil in it and everything


Any other ideas anybody?

[TorkMonster400]

this is the pan in the truck now I think a stock would fit perfect, and then the motor can come forward another 2 inch. this would solve some problems.
are there any issues with changing the pump and pan?

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by TorkMonster400

are there any issues with changing the pump and pan?

Be sure to get a driver's side dip stick pan and the right pick up for the oil pump and pan you decide on.

The front oil pan to timing chain cover seal has to be the correct one, also. '75 and later have the thick seal, '74-back uses the thin seal, as shown:
2 1/4" = thin (early 1955-‘74) seal,
2 3/8" = thick (later 1975-‘85) seal.

Measure from the mounting flange where the pan bolts to the block down to the deepest part of the seal "tunnel".

Re-sealing the pan can be a chore if you are doing it in the truck, and reusing the old gaskets and seals. If you decide to replace the gaskets and seals w/new, I'd suggest you use a 1-piece oil pan gasket from FelPro. Prolly one of these two:
PN1880 1975-79 thick front seal LH dipstick; side rails trimmed for strokers, or
PN1885 1957-74 thin front seal LH dipstick.

They come notched to clear stroker cranks, include plastic pieces that hold things in position while you cinch things up. It is a much better gasket from a sealing and installation stand point (especially if doing it under the vehicle), IMO.

Do not over tighten the pan, despite the type of gasket/seals used- that's the quickest way to get leaks.

I also personally don't use silicone sealer except at the corners- RTV tends to lube the gasket and allow it to squeeze out of position when the pan's tightened down. The 1-piece gasket will have instructions w/it- I believe the recommendation is to use it dry, IIRC. I know some builders still will use some RTV at the corners, for that matter, so does the factory.

I've read here the correct sealant for the pan/seal corners is GM part #12346141 or its equivalent. I believe there was another similar OTC (parts house) sealant, called "The Right Stuff".

[ericnova72]

We solved this on an S-10 by just modifying the pan. Slant the front edge of the sump. Cut that entire front edge of the sump across from one side to the other at 30° angle to clear the crossmember and weld a new piece in, maybe an hours work with the pan off. It was the easiest fix, it was a similar Moroso pan that had a screen, scraper and trap doors built in, there was no way we weren't going to use it, a stock pan wasn't even considered.

If you have a welder, the crossmember cut and box is also a very viable option, racers do it alot to fit even bigger pans than you have.

With the motor the looks of what you have performance-wise, I would not even consider a stock pan, especially with a strokers longer stroke/bigger counterweights reaching down into the pan and pulling the oil up out(bad windage).

Summit also told us the pan would fit, no problem!! Catalog says it fits all GM rear drive except Vega, '62-67 Chevy II, and Chevelles with steering linkage behind the crossmember(duh, which don't exist ) Ha Ha.

I don't think you will gain much clearance to move the engine forward with a stock pan either, maybe 3/4" or so. You don't have a lot of room up front for radiator and water pump even with a short pump, and moving the engine forward may also cause problems with header fit.

[TorkMonster400]

modding the pan does seem a bit more economical I have a welder and some small scrap that would work im going look into this as my first option. I'm going to pull it tomorrow make some templates and go from there. i'll post pics

Right now the motor is about 1 to 2 inches back to far now because I can't go anymore forward (refer pic 2,3,4) and I need those inches.

Thanks ericnova72 for your input.

Thanks cobalt327 thats the same gasket that I have now so our brains are workin the same I guess

[techinspector1]

I'll take the contrarian point of view. Had the same problem with putting a 455 Olds into a '72 Chevy Luv pickup (Isuzu). Winched the motor out, fired up the gas axe and trimmed a rectangular piece out of the crossmember, the re-plated the crossmember. Would not even consider changing or altering the pan.

[cobalt327]

I would use the oil pan you now have as-is. Before I'd cut it up, I'd butcher the x-member. But before I'd do either, I'd get the right 7 qt. pan for the application, like HERE.

Same "footprint", good depth- I'd not run 7 qts. in any 7 qt. oil pan, instead run 5 and get the oil the heck away from the rotator. There's no advantage in running the oil pan full, that defeats the purpose, IMO.

Those wide, flat pans are not my first choice, unless ground clearance is a big issue. The oil still will end up close to the crank and is harder to keep the pick up submerged w/o proper baffles, gates, etc.

[TorkMonster400]

originally the motor was going into a camaro with more clearance but the pan had ground clearance issues so I chose that one. Techinspector your plan was one that I have considered but I was kinof scared to go hackin on the crossmember. Will that ruin any structural integrity or anything.

[ericnova72]

Originally Posted by TorkMonster400

originally the motor was going into a camaro with more clearance but the pan had ground clearance issues so I chose that one. Techinspector your plan was one that I have considered but I was kinof scared to go hackin on the crossmember. Will that ruin any structural integrity or anything.

Nope, just box the area back in with material at least as thick as what was cut out and you won't lose anything strength-wise, and it may end up stronger depending on if you use thicker material and/or a better shape to that area. The factory frame is as thin as they could get away with, the factory doesn't spend a penny more than they have to to meet crash, durability and warranty standards.

[techinspector1]

Originally Posted by ericnova72

Nope, just box the area back in with material at least as thick as what was cut out and you won't lose anything strength-wise, and it may end up stronger depending on if you use thicker material and/or a better shape to that area. The factory frame is as thin as they could get away with, the factory doesn't spend a penny more than they have to to meet crash, durability and warranty standards.

There's the correct answer.

[S10 Racer]

I agree with the crossmember mod. Here is an extreme front crossmember modification that I done to get a BBC in my son's S10. This is an 8 qt. pan. NO FEAR!!!!

[TorkMonster400]

Wow that looks great I think I could do something like that I can still remove the pan and have that modded or I can do the frame. I like the looks of the way s10 did that frame. I can't believe I didn't see this before the build. I guess this is why you always fit first! Oh well, I will let you guys know what happens tomorrow w/ pics

[TorkMonster400]

So I decided to cut the pan first and try my luck at that and then maybe we could do more if need be. Here is some pics of the beginning rough work. should be done tomorrow. I had some help from a friend. and all the work cost was a McDonalds Lg sweat tea Can't beat the price everything looks good so far more pics tomorrow. what do you guys think?