What do I do for the oil pan?

[gabequest]

Yo Folks: Getting things together for a vortec 5.7 LT1 into my 98 lifted 4WD astro. What do I need to do for the oil pan?

[zook94]

You should have included this info in your other post.

[Jboy2]

I believe jags that run sells conversion oil pans IIRC?

[zook94]

I believe jags that run sells conversion oil pans IIRC?

Jags that Run is out of the Astro market, and doesn't have any parts left, with the exception of their engine swap manual.

A lot of guys are taking their V6 pans and stretching them with a peice of another pan, then redrilling a couple holes ~ I think. The V6 oil pump pickup can be used on the V8 oil pump.

[Jboy2]

Jags that Run is out of the Astro market, and doesn't have any parts left, with the exception of their engine swap manual.

Cool, thanks for informing me

[gabequest]

Hey folks: THanks for the info. Actually, going with a vortec and just ordered mounts from JTR. They also still make oil pans, however, I've heard I can go with the stock one (out of the donor suburban) since I have a 2 inch body lift and 2 inch suspension. Has anyone found this to be true?

Again, thanks for the input...I'm new to astros and this site has kicked ass. Thanks to advice I've seen here and the other site, I've lifted it inches with Overland and swapped the NP231C in for the 4L. Now I only wish someone made manual hubs!!!

[GEJ]

Hey folks: THanks for the info. Actually, going with a vortec and just ordered mounts from JTR. They also still make oil pans, however, I've heard I can go with the stock one (out of the donor suburban) since I have a 2 inch body lift and 2 inch suspension. Has anyone found this to be true?

Again, thanks for the input...I'm new to astros and this site has kicked ass. Thanks to advice I've seen here and the other site, I've lifted it inches with Overland and swapped the NP231C in for the 4L. Now I only wish someone made manual hubs!!!

Hey Gabe,
Consider the fact that a body lift is just that.I lifts the Astro body about 2 inches.That is the sub frame,tranfere case,tranny and all.It really doesn't effect the distance of the oil pan to the cross member.Moreover it doesn't effect the clearance to the transfere case.That is where I have heard the pans need to be mod'ed.Now I admit I am not a AWD guy,but I do remember that the mounts are different and the pans need to be cut.As far as finding a GM stock unit to fit,I don't recall anyone posting that before.Hope this helps,Gary

[gabequest]

Thanks Gary. I was hoping the 2 inch suspension lift would factor in...totally spaced the body lift concept...duh!!! I'll go ahead and order the pan from Jags That Run so I dont have to wait any longer in case the stock pan doesnt fit. Getting super excited!.

[gabequest]

well darn! JTR only sells the oil pan extension as of now..and I cant fab stuff...hopefully someone will sell me one.

[Rockwerx]

You could try looking for oil pans in other places. The V8 swap into an S10 4x4 uses the same pan design as our AWD Astro van V8s. So check out some S10 forums for some feed back. If you still can not find one then get the kit from JTR and find a welding shop that can finish your pan for you. Good luck with your V8 project!

[gabequest]

Thanks...Actually, I'm trying to avoid dealing with the deeper sump and pressing the fitting or whatever that process takes because of the deeper pan, so I think I'll have the V8 pan modified and run a larger capacity filter to offset the loss in pan volume. Does that seem OK?

[gabequest]

My ? is...with the 9.5in 4.3, which is deeper than the V8 pan, what all is involved with getting the pump in the right place? Wouldn't things not quite work out as a direct swap with the 4.3 pan?
Was thinking of having the 5.7 vortec oil pan modified to fit my AWD so I dont have to mess with the sump/pump. JEGS sells a 9.5in deep pan for the conversion for $240...would be cheaper to have my V8 pan fabbed...would then run a larger capacity oil filter to offset the loss in volume. Any advice?

[zook94]

The 4.3 engine is 4 inches shorter than the 5.7 engine, so a direct swap is impossible. The JTR kit is new strengthened pan rails, and a weld in section to clear the front 4wd housing. The 9 inch depth, is so that the proper oil capacity is kept. An aftermarket oil pan will still have interference with the 4x components, which is why people modify the stock pan.

The sump portion of the pan is deeper, and using a 4.3 oil pump pickup on your 5.7 engine will allow you to get the proper depth, reaching the bottom of the pan. JTR supposedly sells an aftermarket pan that is designed for this swap, but at $225, its less than a bargain. His market is preying on people who have less than average mechanical skills, or proper tools to perform simple tasks like stretching the oil pan.

Always run a chevy truck oil filter, they are the same base and threads, and hold 3/4 quart more oil than a stock astro filter.

[gabequest]

Thanks!

Anyone know what years chevy used steal pans on the 4.3. Mine is a 98 vortec but has an aluminum pan. The JTR extension is steal...plus...I am "that guy" that can't weld stuff...but prob cheaper to get someone to weld the extension than buy the whole pan.

[zook94]

The vortech V6 pan is the same as all 1 piece rear main pans, so any pan from 87 up will work. The stock 4.3 oil pump is a direct bolt on for the 5.7, and will supply plenty of oil to the engine, but if you are concerned, there are 2 designs for the 5.7 pump, and 2 designs for the 4.3 pickup. The trick is to find a matching pair at the auto parts store, either both with 5/8 tube size, or both with 3/4 tube. A high pressure pump is generally a good idea, but if your donor engine has lots of miles, sometimes the extra pressure is "too much" for an aged motor, and will cause oil leaks and excessive oil related issues, usually leading to leaving clouds of blue smoke from standing starts. (takes away from the cool factor)