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Oil pan capacity question

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Old 04-05-2010, 07:08 PM
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Oil pan capacity question

I need to purchase an oil pan for my motor build and was wondering if a 4 quart pan is the stock size (4qt in pan, 1qt in filter) or if a 5qt pan would be the stock size?
Old 04-05-2010, 08:15 PM
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Re: Oil pan capacity question

Very few automotive filters hold 1 quart. 1/2 quart or less is more common.

A 5 quart oil change includes the oil that's in the filter. How much oil will you need with a 5 quart pan and filter? To the full mark on the dipstick.

I run a 7 quart pan, a 3 quart oil accumulator and a system 1 oil filter. The full mark on my dipstick as been adjusted to the oil level at the top of the baffle in the sump. An oil change for me is 8-1/2 quarts.
Old 04-06-2010, 09:25 AM
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Re: Oil pan capacity question

I think the stock size is 4ts, I use a PF1218 oil filter which holds a quart. I put 5qts in my '89 and 6 in my '87. The '87 has a chrome mr gasket pan.
Old 04-07-2010, 12:20 AM
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Re: Oil pan capacity question

Originally Posted by 85Iroc-Z
I need to purchase an oil pan for my motor build and was wondering if a 4 quart pan is the stock size (4qt in pan, 1qt in filter) or if a 5qt pan would be the stock size?
Hello 85Iroc-Z!!

For an oil change, I use 5 liters of oil in my stock 1987 IROC 305 TPI, Approx 4 liters in the oil pan, and approx 1 liter in the PF35 oil filter!!

I pour in the 4 liters into the engine, then top up the oil filter with as much of the last liter as possible, install the oil filter, and then start up the car to circulate the oil, then top up with any remaining oil from the last liter, oil level is then at the full mark!!!

5 liters lasts 3000 miles, doesn't use a drop!!!

P.S. The PF35 filter is the extended version of the stock PF25!! More filter = more filtration????

Old 04-10-2010, 11:43 PM
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Re: Oil pan capacity question

OK, so then the 4 qt pan is the same size as a stock pan then right?
Old 04-10-2010, 11:48 PM
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Re: Oil pan capacity question

Originally Posted by 85Iroc-Z
OK, so then the 4 qt pan is the same size as a stock pan then right?
Hello 85Iroc-Z!!

4 qts in the pan, yes would be my answer!!

Are you getting this oil pan "from" something, or at a local auto parts store??

Old 04-11-2010, 06:44 AM
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Re: Oil pan capacity question

I am buying it from summit racing.
Old 04-11-2010, 06:18 PM
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Re: Oil pan capacity question

Originally Posted by 85Iroc-Z
I am buying it from summit racing.
Hello 85Iroc-Z!!

The stock SBC oil pan capacity can vary between 4 - 6 quarts!! GM lists the following: Z-28 = 4 quarts, 5.7 Camaro/Caprice = 5 quarts, Corvette = 6 quarts!!

A 4 quart pan will be fine, as long as you don't have a fitment problem with the oil pick up tube!!


Last edited by 87IROC-DAN61; 04-11-2010 at 06:35 PM.
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