Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil Pan size???

[RyanB]

Hey All. I am in the process of dropping a cummins into my GMC. The 1996 12valve I got had the pan dinged up quite a bit so I have a new one on the way. My question is that I also have a 5. 9 that came out of a hi-ab crane. It is rated at 126HP @ 2600 rpm. This engine actually thru a rod out the side of the block. I got it for free and wanted it as a mock up motor for my conversion. Anyway, it has a brand new oil pan on it that is quite a bit larger than the 5. 9 truck pan. I would have to say that oil capacity is half if not double of what the truck pan is. I have this big pan on the mock up motor and its sitting in the truck and clears the crossmember just nicely.



Do you think I am better to put the larger pan on the engine or should I go with the truck pan. How many quarts does the truck pan hold? if I went with the larger capacity pan could my oil change intervals be extended??? My way of thinking is that the more oil capacity the better but I just want to know what you all think!



Thanks... Ryan

 

[SRadke]

More oil gets you better cooling capacity but I wouldn't expect it to increase change intervals. The truck motors as set up require 11 quarts, most guys use 12. This is plenty of oil for a pickup IMO.



-Scott

 

[BV]

If I was using the peacup 24/7 pulling trailers or working it hard then I might consider a bigger pan but I have to agree with SRadke that 11-12 quarts seems to do the job. Another thing is the cost of that additional oil and changing time.

 

[Midnite]

Go for it!

I'd go with the bigger pan in a heartbeat as long it doesn't present any installation or driving problems.



You certainly wouldn't need it though--the stock pan is perfectly adequate. It all boils down to what you want to do.



Mike

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I'd use the smaller pan... even if the big one fits.



The smaller pan might make it easier for you to work on stuff down there in the future.



The 11/12 quart pans have plenty of capacity to make the bigger pans unnecessary in pickup trucks...



Matt

 

[F8LDOSE]

I'm using a front sump pan with a capacity of 15. 3 quarts plus filter equals total of 16. 3 quarts, whichever you choose make sure you use the right pickup tube.