Which Holley LS Oil Pan Is Right For Your Ride?
Swapping an LS engine into a classic Camaro, Nova, Chevelle, or G-Body has never been easier. There’s tons of aftermarket support to make this a fairly easy process. One of the biggest hurdles is getting the correct oil pan on it. If your LS came out of a truck, generally those won’t work due to the extra deep sump.
There’s a few things to consider when purchasing an LS oil pan from Holley. First is where your steering linkage is. The second is how much of a stroke does the crank have. For example typically on a Chevelle, the inner tie rods will hit the pan at full lock using a Holley 302-1 pan.
GM LS Oil Pans
Various GM oil pans are compatible with LS engines, but finding the right fit for older vehicles can be tricky. Previously, the GM F-Body oil pan (GM part #12628771, 1998–2002) was a go-to choice due to its sump design. Another option was the Hummer H3 Alpha/Chevy Colorado pan (GM part #12614821), which shares the design of the GM Muscle Car oil pan (GM part #19212593). However, these pans feature a deep sump measuring 7.75 inches, often hanging below the cross member. Holley’s cast aluminum LS swap oil pans improve clearance and simplify installation with complete kits tailored for engine swaps.
When selecting an oil pan, sump depth is critical. The GM Muscle Car pan (GM part #19212593) measures 7.75 inches from the oil pan rail to the lowest point, while the Holley 302-1 oil pan measures just 5.71 inches, providing additional ground clearance. For a 1970 Chevrolet Nova, the Holley the 302-1 pan, is ideal. This kit includes the oil pan, oil passage cover, oil filter stud, sump plug, and sump baffle.
Holley LS Oil Pans
We offer three different Holley LS swap oil pan options. The original 302-1 design mirrors the popular fourth-gen F-Body pan and fits many GM vehicles (1955–1987) with exceptions for certain models. The 302-2 pan offers increased front clearance and shallower sump depth, fitting GM G-Body and Ford Fox Body platforms. The 302-3 pan, while matching the 302-2’s external clearance, supports up to a four-inch stroke with added internal space.
The oil capacities of Holley pans range from 6 to 6.2 quarts (filter included). All use the same adapter, compatible with filters like AC Delco PF48/PF48E, Mobil M1-113, Wix 57060, and K&N HP-1017. Holley also provides gaskets, bolts, and hardware to complete your swap.
Installation Steps:
- Remove Old Pan: Drain the oil, flip the engine, and remove the bolts holding the old pan. Use a rubber mallet to loosen the pan if necessary.
- Remove Components: Detach the oil pickup tube, windage tray, and related parts. The long pickup tube must be replaced with the shorter one provided in the Holley kit.
- Prepare the New Pan: Install the sump baffle using the supplied bolts (torque: 8 ft-lb) with blue Loctite. Attach the oil passage cover (torque: 106 in-lb) and oil filter adapter (torque: 40 ft-lb).
- Install Pickup Tube: Lubricate the O-ring, press it into place, and secure it with the original bolt (torque: 106 in-lb). Tighten the bracket nut to 18 ft-lb.
- Gasket Application: Apply RTV at the block joints and align the gasket with the new pan, using bolts to hold it in place.
- Attach the Pan: Align and snug the bolts, ensuring the rear of the pan is flush with the block for proper bell housing fitment. Torque center bolts to 18 ft-lb and rear cover bolts to 106 in-lb.
If you’re needing a Holley LS Oil Swap Pan for your classic Nova, Chevelle, Camaro, El Camino, or G-Body, hop on over to SS396.com or give our friendly techs a call at (203) 235-1200!
