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caught vette fever and recently ended up with a '74 454, auto TH400.
when changing oil and filter added 5 quarts, but level was still in the low area of the dip stick. I used an AC Delco PF1218 filter which is about twice the size of the tiny Fram that was on there.
My owners manual says 5 quarts for 8 Cylinder and 6 quarts V-8 (mark engine). Not sure what the mark engine is. Looking online I see posts varying between 5 and 6 quarts for a 454.
I added one more quart and level was just below full which looks correct, but I don't want to overfill.
So I want to check and see if my dip stick is the right length. I measured 21.75 inches from the bottom of the dip stick to the top of the bell where it seats in the tube.
Can someone with a 454 please check and make sure my dip stick and amount of oil added etc is correct. I realize my tube might be off as well, but not sure how to check that. Thanks.
the Chevolet Big Block is the mark engine, you need 6 quarts. Cannt tell you about your dipstick. You are using an over size filter so add an extra 1/2 quart, 6 1/2 total.
You're fine. As stated, the bigblock takes 6 qts. plus a little extra for the larger capacity filter. I'd just add a little bit at a time until you reach the full mark. Better a little under than over.
Mark I: The "W" motors from the early 60's. Most famously the 409.
Mark II: Dubbed the "mystery motor". Experimental engine used in NASCAR.
Mark III: Canceled before production
Mark IV: The Chevy big-block we all know and love.
Yes the regular GM V8 filters (C3's) are 1/2 quart capacity and the Truck V8 filters are 1 Qt which is what I use on my SBC-5 qts oil and regular filter. 5.5 QTs with the truck filter. 6.5 qts for the BB with the 1 Qt Truck filters. No guessing about adding a little oil with the Truck filter-it is 1/2 qt more than the regular filter-just to be clear.
Is the oil pan stock? As I learned, aftermarket deep pan messed up my dipstick markings. Eventually, the big dipstick found the info on the form I needed to sort out what was going on with little dipstick.....
Thanks for the info. I am pretty sure the pan is stock because the dip stick is showing almost full with 6 quarts and a large filter, so I think I am okay.
Just purchased my first big block Corvette about a month ago (1970 LS5 convertible, modified).
Dipstick is 21" from the same measurement points where yours is 21.75", but it's an aftermarket chrome model and the dipstick tube may not be the right length either (too short). I use the AC PF454 oil filter and the oil pan looks to be stock capacity. 1970 Owner's Manual states 5 quarts for 454 without filter change and 6 quarts for 454 with oil and filter change.
With 6 quarts, mine shows to be 1 quart above full. Plan to put my own scribes on the dipstick.
Last edited by SharkAttack; Nov 10, 2014 at 10:08 PM.
I think that would be the way to go. Not sure if this helps, but with 6 quarts and the large filter my dip stick measures about 1/8 below the full mark. i have the tape zero right at the top of the bell where it seats in the tube.
454 oil change
