Need a measurement taken

[LannyL81]

Would some kind soul out there measure the distance between the bottom of the oil pan, at the drain plug, and the ground?

I need to figure out if I can use this aftermarket chrome oil pan or not.

Thanks in advance.

LannyL81
Tucson, AZ

I have 5 3/8" My suspension is stock and a little worn. Im running 255/60 15 on the front and 295/50 15 on the back but that should be pretty close.

[LannyL81]

Thanks for taking the time.....5 3/8 inches.....got it.

Do you think I could live with 5 inches under the pan? Is the steering ram still the lowest part on the underside?

Thanks again,
LannyL81
Tucson, AZ

[1981corvette]

The rear tailpipes are the lowest point on my 81 C3.
Stock suspension with 255/60/r15.

[Tritium007]

I believe the exhaust is the lowest point on my '81 as well. Specifically, the driver's side at the bend upward past the spare carrier. There's a clamp right at that point that hangs down at the lowest point. It actually scrapes every once and a while going over bumps. Have to baby it over RR tracks. I remember a guy back in high school (looong time ago) who almost ripped the whole rear end off his camaro when his traction bars caught on a protruding rail. It was ugly!

H3

[Grizzly]

Originally Posted by LannyL81

Thanks for taking the time.....5 3/8 inches.....got it.

Do you think I could live with 5 inches under the pan? Is the steering ram still the lowest part on the underside?

Thanks again,
LannyL81
Tucson, AZ

I think the point you have to examine is how far behind the wheel is the bottom of the pan. If you roll over something with the front wheel is it going to drop the car right on the pan? The steering gear is between the wheels and would be protected from projections long enought to catch both wheels.

Originally Posted by Grizzly

I think the point you have to examine is how far behind the wheel is the bottom of the pan. If you roll over something with the front wheel is it going to drop the car right on the pan? The steering gear is between the wheels and would be protected from projections long enought to catch both wheels.

Real good point...Even if you have enough clearence you need to think about if you go over a bump to quickly. The travel of te suspension has to be a factor in your measurements. You know when your waiting to turn into a driveway and traffic is crazy and you want to just whip in...or that speed bump that you didnt see because you were checking out the blonde walking down the street. Would hate to drop the full weight of the car on the pan and have some serious damage because of a tight pants and a 1/2 shirt!

Steve

Dont know why I used this smiley..just thought it was funny!

[LannyL81]

If the distance under the stock oil pan at the drain plug is 5 3/8 inches...do you think I could live with just 5 inches of clearance?

The only reason why I am using this chrome pan is so I can use the high volume oil pump I got. If I try to use it with the stock pan, I pretty much have to remove most of the "windage tray" (for lack of a better description). I do want to do this. I may just have to go back to a stock oil pump so I can use the stock pan.

Thanks,
LannyL81
Tucson, AZ