I'm trying to get my 70 GS on the road for the first time in 20yrs. The PO had the engine rebuilt maybe 15yrs ago but never had the car to the point where it was drivable. After installing the exhaust last weekend I fired up the engine this morning. I could hear and feel a knocking on the bottom of the oil pan. The photo shows some gouging from, I'm guessing, the connecting rod bolts. The deepest being around #3. Although it's difficult to get a great view as #3 and #4 are over the cross-member, visually one connecting rod bolt end on #3 appears longer than the others, and could match up to the deepest gouge. I plan to check torque on all connecting rods. Are there aftermarket pans that might be a little deeper? If not, can I file the bolt ends? Is there something when rebuilding a 455 that would have reduced that clearance? I'm sure most will recommend pulling the engine but I'd like the car yard drivable this summer and postpone the engine swap until next year. Other than the knocking the engine seemed fine but I only ran it long enough to determine I had a problem with the pan. Thanks, Tom
TA makes a gasket that is 3/16" thick. That might help. http://www.taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_1700-455.180
The new TA pan has more space too. It has a valley incorporated into the stamping down the center that is about a 1/4". There is very little clearance in that area. Also check the splash shield for contact. My last build with the super duty Pontiac rods hit that as well.
The oil pan is dented up..I can see it in your picture... take a block of wood to it and a hammer.. Really common thing to happen, when someone sets a block of wood under it, and then sets it on the oil pan.. They are really close in the front. JW
All, thanks for the prompt responses. I will attempt to straighten the pan this week. The deepest gouge is probably 1/2 the thickness of the pan so I may ponder a new pan anyway. Thanks, Tom
So I tried the deeper oil pan from TA, still getting some interference. The splash shield and front of the new pan shows signs of impact. I can deal with the front of the new pan. What are my options with the splash shield - ball pein hammer in the impact areas? I have the thicker pan gasket planned as well. Thanks, Tom
Not sure what rod bolts are you using but years ago a shop installed too long of bolts and they hit the pan. Had to get shorter bolts. Just a thought.
