What's the best oil pan for a 73 350 ci ?

78elk

Dragway Regular
Mar 6, 2014
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I ask this question due to I replaced the original with a Dorman from Jegs. It's supposed to be an original replacement. The 350 ci is from a 73 El Camino. This engine is still leaking from the pan gasket after changing it twice. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
 

78elk

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Mar 6, 2014
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Could someone please give me a measurement from the block to the lowest part of the pan gasket on the front of an original 350 from a 73 El Camino? I'm trying to get a comparison between the original and the after market one I have now.
 

melloelky

Top Fueler
Jul 1, 2009
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i wish i had a stock pan to help with this..hopefully the gasket makes a difference for you
 

lilbowtie

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Oct 5, 2004
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You need to really determine where the leak is coming from. Seems you have been replacing a bunch of things with no results. Don't know why they would say the one piece gasket won't work since Dorman is a direct replacement. I use Canton pans but nothing wrong with stock.
 

78elk

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Mar 6, 2014
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The problem is that there are 2 possible Felpro pan gaskets that could be purchased for a 350 Chevy. The pan I purchased is taller than the orignal. I have to jack up the front to get the pan out. Doing the in frame work on the rear main seal and the gasket this pan received a bend on the top sill. When I straightened it it tore the metal. I just bought a Spectra pan that is a 1/2 " shorter. This will be a better fit. Changing the front seal and balancer stopped the leak from those places.
 

78elk

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Mar 6, 2014
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I got the rear main seal and the new pan installed. I didn't have to jack up the front of engine to install. I put anaerobic sealer on the rear main seal. I'm going to let it sit for the night to cure the sealer. This new pan went in like the original. I had a great time working on it.
 

78elk

Dragway Regular
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Mar 6, 2014
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Yahoo, no runs, no drips, and no errors. I determined looking at the rear main seal, that the ends of the seal weren't covered evenly, part had none on it. I cleaned it off and reapplied sealer. I also cleaned the cap and reapplied sealer on it. There is no leaks from the gasket and pan.
 

melloelky

Top Fueler
Jul 1, 2009
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Awesome that's great news,you must be so relieved.nice job figuring that out.everything you posted might help someone else with that same problem some day.
 

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