NassauBlue98

Can you get a C5 oil pan off without dropping the cradle?

Thanks

Its_Go_Time

Don't think so... It has to drop down quite low before it will clear the oil pump pick-up. I think the spring is in the way, as well.

Mark C5

According to the Service Manual both the spring and cradle must be removed.

NassauBlue98

Thanks, guys. That's what I was afraid of.

So next question:
Is the LS2 or LS3 a direct bolt in to replace the C5 pan when I get it off? I'd like to ditch the wings for easier access in the future. If so, which oil pan is the best choice and will I need to change anything like the oil pickup?

Thanks

ipuig

The wings are a good thing if you drive the car on either a road or auto-cross course.

runamuk

Your not going to get any better access with one of those oil pans, have you actually laid under your car and looked at the clearance between the oil pan and cradle?

Fastbird

LS2 and LS3 pans are the same replacement part. Either fits and works fine. You're going to gain no cradle clearance by swapping, but you'll gain some working room at the sides of the pan.

corvettebob1

I believe there is a later model pan that is 2 piece allowing acess to the lower end.

SteveDoten

BAMN!!!! around 2000 they switched to the 2 part

So, if you took a nasty hit and cracked the lower, YES you can swap the bottom plate of the pan IN the car. Local member just did one!!!

Its_Go_Time

Taking that bottom plate off doesn't give you access to anything. Here's a pic looking down from the engine.

NassauBlue98

I realize a LS2/3 pan will not gain me clearance between the cradle and the pan.
Clearance on the outside/around the pan is what I was looking for.

So the LS2 and LS3 is the same PN pan, or you are saying that either PN will bolt up fine?