Chippy59

Has anyone changed the oil pan on a 79 L-48 engine while it is in the car?

mikep3

Disconnect the battery,
Drain the oil and remove oil filter,
Drop the starter,
Remove the transmission cover plate,
Drop the steering cylinder and/or the idler arm, I did both after a few too many cuts on my arm.
Remove the oil pan bolts,
Clean the engine were the new seal will go,
Use a one piece seal for 79 corvette 350,
Check oil pump inlet for popper depth to new oil pan,
Install new seal with sealant in the corners only,
Install pan,
Install steering cylinder,
Install transmission access cover,
Install starter,
Fill with new oil and new oil filter,
Connect battery,

Did I mention to Disconnect the Battery, the Starter is very Hot!

GUSTO14

I agree... however, I've found it to be a bit easier to drop the idler arm from the frame and there is enough clearance to remove the pan...

Good luck... GUSTO

mar

I'm trying to find a stock oil oil pan for my 74' L-48 if you know of anyone with a nice one to sell

mikep3

I replaced mine because the bottom was dented and I lost about 1/2 quart volume. Could be fixed but the freight would be more than a new Moroco or Milodon.

Rikoshay

I also dropped the idler arm and was able to get the pan off. There are only 2 bolts that hold the idler arm to the frame, but they are kind of hard to get to. The bolts on mine are fine thread and one of them was a lot longer than it needed to be so it was frustrating to get it off. Cut the long bolt down to match the other and it was much easier to get back on.

With the frame supported by jackstands and the front suspension hanging down there was just enough room to get it out.

GUSTO14

Summit has a variety of new pans for SB Chevy's... here's one for under $30

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G3500P/?rtype=10

Even a nice finned aluminum for under $100...

http://static.summitracing.com/globa...sum-121010.jpg

Of course if you're looking for original you'll probably want to check with one of our vendors.

Good luck... GUSTO

Rikoshay

If you change your pan to a traditional Chevy rear sump pan you will have to replace the pickup tube on the oil pump. The Corvette sump is further forward and the pickup tube is differant.

I used a standard pan on mine and ordered a new oil pump and pickup tube from Summit for less than $30.

KapsSA

I've got a mint pan from a 78 L48. Sandblasted and ready for paint. Don't know if it's the same, but $20 + shipping.

Also, with an automatic really no need to remove the starter. And I agree with unbolting the idler arm from the frame, but I also unbolt the steering cylinder from the frame bracket for a bit more clearance,

for sale link....http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...l-oil-pan.html

Chippy59

Thanks - Wish me luck

jackson

L48 pan is only 7" deep at sump ... vette sump is shallower but longer front-to-back than others ... most aftermarket hi-po "stock type" pans are about 8" unless you get one specific for vette. I'd prefer a good used vette pan over most others ... 'specially at $20+s. I've got a good spare, but sure ain't gonna part with it so cheap.

dgood

I have a 79 L48 and I did all the above but just removed the idler arm and did not have to remove the starter. Mine is an automatic. Put it up on jack stands and you have plenty of room. Do not get the pans from ecklers, especially the crome ones, they do not fit. The dip stick indentation did not match up on mine.