C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

LS3 vs. LS2 oil pan -- Same?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 24, 2008 | 04:17 PM
  #1  
Fastbird's Avatar
Fastbird
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Pro Mechanic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Default LS3 vs. LS2 oil pan -- Same?

Anyone know? I want to "upgrade" oil pans and drop the batwings for turbo clearance around the APS kit. Wondering if the LS3 pan is the same as the LS2 pan, thought I'd see if anyone had a clue. TIA.
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2008 | 04:28 PM
  #2  
SteveDoten's Avatar
SteveDoten
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Default

www.gmpartshouse.com

I don't have the answer
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2008 | 07:21 PM
  #3  
chriswtx's Avatar
chriswtx
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,970
Likes: 20
From: San Marcos Texas
Default

Reply
Old Sep 24, 2008 | 08:55 PM
  #4  
Fastbird's Avatar
Fastbird
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Pro Mechanic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by chriswtx
You ain't the only one brotha! I simply haven't found ANYTHING that is definitive so far.
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2008 | 11:16 PM
  #5  
WBHighwind's Avatar
WBHighwind
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
Default

http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=817787

That thread only shows a LS2 and LS7 oil pan so i would assume that the LS3 oil pan is the same.
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2008 | 11:38 PM
  #6  
Fastbird's Avatar
Fastbird
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Pro Mechanic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by WBHighwind
http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=817787

That thread only shows a LS2 and LS7 oil pan so i would assume that the LS3 oil pan is the same.
Good find, I didn't see that on there earlier when I was searching. But......I can't be guaranteed that's correct because of the LS7 having a different block than the LS3, and thus probably a notably different pan given the dry sump system.

Going to give Gene Culley a call tomorrow and see if he can verify some part numbers.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2008 | 09:44 AM
  #7  
SteveDoten's Avatar
SteveDoten
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Default

NEVER assume, would and should also fall into the category

one of my FireFighter instructors said this once

any of the big shops know the answer by now

I would email Gene Culley gene@gmpartshouse.com
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2008 | 11:03 PM
  #8  
500hp's Avatar
500hp
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
Default

Do you already have a C6 pan?

I just installed a C6 pan on my LS6. It is a brand new take-off so I believe it to be a LS3. The place that I bought it from said the LS2 and LS3 are, physically, the same pan. The only Gen III block related difference is an extra bolt hole in the rail of the LS2/3 pan where the LS1/6 block is not drilled and tapped for a bolt (using the factory supplied LS3 pan gasket still riveted to the pan, so it will still seal around the open bolt hole). C5 pick-up tube still fits, same bolts, same sensor locations. Easy, no-brainer swap.

I will get their name off the box and a P/N off the pan for you, shortly.

I recommend this 'swap' for anyone who has their engine out! C5 oilpan is unnecessarily cumbersome and complex, especially for a car that responds so well to long-tube headers.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Sep 26, 2008 | 12:09 AM
  #9  
Fastbird's Avatar
Fastbird
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Pro Mechanic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Default

I do not have a pan yet. Just checking to see if the LS2 and LS3 are different or the same so as to open up my searching options for one at a good price.

Didn't get a chance to call Gene today. Hopefully tomorrow.
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2008 | 12:57 AM
  #10  
500hp's Avatar
500hp
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
Default

My pan has a bar code sticker on it with P/N 12598186.

I got it from SMC Performance Inc., in Auburn Hills, MI. I think it was just under $200 shipped, and looked BRAND NEW (with pan gasket, bolts, C6 oil level sensor, oil temp sensor gasket, magnetic drain plug... all new and clean!). I didn't even have to hose it down with brake clean! Just took it out of the box they sent it in, and bolted it down.

I would just call them and see if they have one. It will be tough to beat their price for what you are getting. It will save you time and confusion, too.
PM me if you want their phone number.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 01:08 PM
  #11  
Fastbird's Avatar
Fastbird
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Pro Mechanic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Default

FYI everyone, I did confirm that the LS3 and LS2 pan are one and the same.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 02:15 PM
  #12  
ajg1915's Avatar
ajg1915
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by Fastbird@FastbirdPerf.com
FYI everyone, I did confirm that the LS3 and LS2 pan are one and the same.
I did this conversion on 99 block. I drilled and tap the hole in the block to match the oil pan.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 02:24 PM
  #13  
Tony Mamo @ AFR's Avatar
0Tony Mamo @ AFR
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 7
From: Valencia CA
Default

Unfortunately the original "batwing" pan is far superior to the LS2/LS3 style pan when your discussing oil control and windage losses. If your drag or road racing especially the batwing pan is the way to go....probably has 3X the amount of oil control and better baffling.

The only improvement GM made when switching over to the newer style pans was an improvement in their bottom line. The original pan likely cost triple as much with its gaskets, multi pieces, and complexity, but it truly was a well engineered piece.

If you need the room to go turbo though the newer style pan is clutch....

Just an FYI

Tony
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 02:41 PM
  #14  
Fastbird's Avatar
Fastbird
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Pro Mechanic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by Tony Mamo @ AFR
Unfortunately the original "batwing" pan is far superior to the LS2/LS3 style pan when your discussing oil control and windage losses. If your drag or road racing especially the batwing pan is the way to go....probably has 3X the amount of oil control and better baffling.

The only improvement GM made when switching over to the newer style pans was an improvement in their bottom line. The original pan likely cost triple as much with its gaskets, multi pieces, and complexity, but it truly was a well engineered piece.

If you need the room to go turbo though the newer style pan is clutch....

Just an FYI

Tony

I was kind of figuring this was the case, and took it into consideration, but you hit the nail on the head at the end. I've got the turbo's on the car, and am looking to free up some room for some inlet work. I don't road race the car and occasionally take it to the track but not for serious competition, so I'm not too worried. I'll be keeping my batwing pan just in case I want to swap back for some reason.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 02:54 PM
  #15  
ajg1915's Avatar
ajg1915
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by Tony Mamo @ AFR
Unfortunately the original "batwing" pan is far superior to the LS2/LS3 style pan when your discussing oil control and windage losses. If your drag or road racing especially the batwing pan is the way to go....probably has 3X the amount of oil control and better baffling.

The only improvement GM made when switching over to the newer style pans was an improvement in their bottom line. The original pan likely cost triple as much with its gaskets, multi pieces, and complexity, but it truly was a well engineered piece.

If you need the room to go turbo though the newer style pan is clutch....

Just an FYI

Tony
Good to hear. Funny GM said that the LS2 style pan was better (improvement) over bat winged oil pan design in there advertisements about the LS2 motor.

I'm going turbo (I think) so I have LS2 pan. I'll add oil cooler and accusump just for safety.
Reply
Old May 14, 2010 | 04:26 PM
  #16  
HardcoreABN's Avatar
HardcoreABN
Drifting
15 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 86
From: De Pere, WI
Default

If the LS2 and LS3 pans are the same, I wonder the feasability of putting the Dry Sump system off the LS3 in the GS on an LS2...
Reply
Old May 14, 2010 | 05:30 PM
  #17  
AU N EGL's Avatar
AU N EGL
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Default

Originally Posted by Tony Mamo @ AFR
Unfortunately the original "batwing" pan is far superior to the LS2/LS3 style pan when your discussing oil control and windage losses. If your drag or road racing especially the batwing pan is the way to go....probably has 3X the amount of oil control and better baffling.

The only improvement GM made when switching over to the newer style pans was an improvement in their bottom line. The original pan likely cost triple as much with its gaskets, multi pieces, and complexity, but it truly was a well engineered piece.

If you need the room to go turbo though the newer style pan is clutch....

Just an FYI

Tony
There is a GM LS3 Batwing Oil pan too. Click HERE and I thought I read that the LS6 Batwing will fit, but not sure on that.

if you are not running a dry sump on the LS3 you NEED a BAT wing oil pan for the LS3. Too many LS3s have gone BOOM do to oiling issues while racing. For street use, no problems.

We have a huge thread over in Autocross and Road Racing on the LS3 oiling issues. Bit old may need to search for it.

Best fix for the LS3 is a dry sump system. an ARE system or Daily Dry system

Last edited by AU N EGL; May 14, 2010 at 05:39 PM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To LS3 vs. LS2 oil pan -- Same?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:25 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE