Oil Pan Clearance

[wkinzie]

I've got a 3.1 V6 from a 92 Camaro that I'm trying to install in a 1972 MGB. I bought a conversion kit from Classic Conversions Eng. which provided the headers, motor mounts and transmission mount. The problem is the oil pan is hitting the front cross member. Moving backward does not appear to be a good option since it starts to cause problems with the motor mounts, steering gear and gas pedal operation. It appears taking a chunk out of the oil pan would be simpler. The question is how much can I take out of the front lower edge of the oil pan without causing problems internally. I have not removed the oil pan yet so have not had a chance to look inside. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[paulo57509]

Sounds like a cool swap. I can't offer any solutions, but have you tried calling Classic Conversions and asking them about it? I'm sure that you're not the only one with the problem and perhaps they have a solution.

[wkinzie]

Oil Pan Clearance

Apparently there are enough variations in MGB's that there is no standard answer. Classic Conversions has been very helpful so has BMCAutos. I was just wondering if anyone else had a suggestion before I start cutting.

I've just set up a website to record my progress at www.mgb72v6.com. Check the pages under engine.

[bszopi]

I am just shooting from the hip here, as I have no real experience with RWD setups, but I think I remember the S10 4x4 oil pans being different in order for clearance for the driveline components. Might be something to at least look into...

[geoffinbc]

And S-10 2WD pan clears better than a Camaro pan and a 4X4 pan clears even better but is deeper, meaning less ground clearance..

Just for refrence a Camaro pan will not work on an S-10 because it hits the cross member.

[wkinzie]

Do you need to change the oil pickup with the deeper 4x4 pan or will the original pickup still work ok?

[Guest]

And S-10 2WD pan clears better than a Camaro pan and a 4X4 pan clears even better but is deeper, meaning less ground clearance..

Just for refrence a Camaro pan will not work on an S-10 because it hits the cross member.

You wouldn't happen to have any comparison pics, would you?

[wkinzie]

I ordered an S-10 2WD oil pan and another one for the 4WD. As soon as they arrive, I will post a comparison picture for the three pans.

[geoffinbc]

Yes you need to change the pickup for the 4WD pan. I never did take pics when I did the 3.4L Camaro Swap.

[wkinzie]

S-10 Oil Pan

I received the S-10 2WD and 4WD oil pans and discovered that they do not work unless you change the front cover (if that is even possible to do). The 2WD is just as deep as the Camaro pan but may be a little more rounded in the front so it might help but not much. The 4WD would have been better. It is 1" less depth in front but 2" deeper in the rear. The front would have worked great but the overall ground clearance in the MGB would be a problem when it comes to speed bumps. Looks like I'm about to modify my existing oil pan. See picture of the S-10 oil pans:



This is the inside of the Camaro oil pan. There is clearance to remove about 1 inch (up and back) of the front edge:

[Guest]

Sounds like you may have received an older pan or pans. Pre '86. Do they have angled lips with bolt holes? If they do, you have older pans.

The newer pans ('87+) all have a pressed seal in this area and can be swapped between engines.

*edit*

I just looked at your site and it says that the engine was isnatlled in an '84 S-10 previously, which most likely means that the S-10 front cover was used, if it differs from thr new pans. You would be better off, swapping to a newer front cover, since the pans are easier to find, you already have 2.

The only "problem" in doing so is that the water pump is a reverse rotation on the newer 660s. Though I'm still not convinced completly that you don't have the F-body front cover since you mentioned that you needed a spacer for the pulleys, which I can only imagine being for the water pump, since that is shorter in the F-body.