Hi everyone, I would like to purchase an oil pan that is made beefier than most on the attachment flange so it will be more resistant to warpage and consequent leakage. Is there a particular brand which may be thicker at the flange? I do not care about it being pretty; I just want one that works!! I had a chrome one that came on the motor but it's been nothing but a pain since the engine builder intstalled it. I do not wish to mess with attempting to straighten it. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, are there pressure-spreaders that can be used under the oil pan bolts, similar to what you can use on valve covers?

While I'm at it, the valve covers have been a royal pain, too. Any extra sturdy ones out there?

Felpro makes a deluxe gasket for both oil pan and valve covers. They are a rubber type with steel in them to prevent slippage. They have the torque spacers. About 4 times as much money and worth every cent. You can get them at AutoZone, NAPA, Advance, etc.
Most oil pans will be fine, with the good gasket. Some of the chrome aftermarket were made of thin metal, and warped easily. Pick one up and take a look. It's easy to tell the difference.

Ken Styer

Thanks, Ken, for the help. I made some calls today and found out my 383 has limited options for a pan, anyway. I can pick between Moroso or Milodon; they carry models that allow room for the stroker crankshaft. I sacrifice a bit of ground clearance because they're deeper; the Milodon one is not as low as the Moroso. So, for the tune of $200 i guess I do Milodon.

Thanks for the info on the rubber-covered steel gasket. I have a FelPro blue silicone one-piece pan gasket. Is the FelPro valve cover gasket you mention made similarly?

I have a Moroso 8 qt. pan on my 79. Large sump, not deep. When I bought it, I set it on the floor and watched it rock back and forth on the gasket rails. Was warped about a quarter inch. The instructions noted some warpage was expected due to the amount of welding on it but shouldn't exceed that quarter inch. Flattened out nicely on installation. I admit I don't put many miles on the Vette but I haven't had a leak. And it's been 20 years! Just use the quality gaskets and be careful with your installation. Mike

Yes, the Felpro valve cover gaskets are very similar to the oil pan gasket, as long as you get the top line. Good Stuff

Ken Styer

Do they have torque-spreaders for oil pans, too, or just for valve covers?

Patricia

Yes oil pans also.

Ken Styer