Swap LS Engines into Chevelles & GM A-Bodies. Jefferson Bryant

are the three most common sizes of U-joints. The 1310, the most common U-joint, is found in most cars. Performance yokes are made of the 1350 series U-joint, though larger and smaller units can be found. Make sure you use the same-series joint throughout the entire driveline. A drivetrain is only as strong as its weakest link.

       CHAPTER 3

       OIL PANS, PAN MODIFICATIONS AND AFTERMARKET OFFERINGS

      Once you have selected compatible motor mounts for your project, the next step is to find the oil pan that fits your engine combination and A-Body car. Many stock oil pans are available for LS engines, each one having been designed for a specific chassis. With so many different oil pan options, there is confusion as to which oil pans fit which chassis.

      The front crossmember and the engine mounts determine how the engine fits in the chassis and the oil pan clearance in relation to other suspension, steering, and chassis components. Each brand of engine mount is different, and the engine-mount towers used on the frames can differ by application as well. Although several stock pans fit certain vehicles, they don’t always fit as is, and there are different depths and clearances. Some motor mount adapters are designed to work only with certain pans; others are more universal.

      Oil pan selection is critical to proper engine fitment in the A-body chassis. Some stock pans fit, and there are plenty of aftermarket options too. This Holley Pan works great in all years of A-body chassis.

Stock Oil Pans

      Using a stock oil pan can greatly simplify your installation, provided you have the right one. Many stock oil pan designs are available, but only a few are desirable for engine swaps. The most commonly used stock oil pans are the 1998–2002 Camaro, the 2002–2006 truck, the C5 Corvette “Y” pan (also referred to as the “batwing” because of the dual kickouts on the sides), LH8 or Hummer, and the CTS-V. These pans have proven to be the most versatile stock oil pans that fit many vehicles without modifications.

      For GM A-Body cars, the list is shorter. Oil pan issues must be addressed when mocking up the motor mounts and modifying the front crossmember. Sump depth also needs to be considered, as several stock pans may clear the chassis, but the sump depth can become an issue when the sump hangs below the crossmember, especially on lowered vehicles.

      In a typical installation, you may find that more than one pan fits your A-Body. Case in point: The LH8 oil pan (a special pan for the 5.3-powered Hummer H3) easily fits the wide range of 1964–1972 GM A-Body cars. However, with a typical adapter plate and motor mount installed, the LH8 pan rear sump hangs about 1½ inches below the engine crossmember, so standard suspension–height cars should have enough clearance on public roads. However, if the car has a low ride height, especially on air-ride suspension, there may not be enough clearance between the pan and the pavement.

      The BRP Muscle Rods motor mount kits use the LH8 oil pan, but the special motor mounts position the engine differently in the car than most other adapter kit installations. As such the LH8 pan provides enough clearance to avoid common road obstacles.