Hey guys I made a huge rookie stupid mistake... I am swapping out my headers and the other night we used the corner of the oil pan to support the engine while taking out the motor mounts. Well I thought it was fine to just support it... but like a dummy I had to jack the engine a little to squeeze in those headers and I literally saw the center cave in a little (it had a small 2x4 across is). It doesn't look bad but I don't know how bad is bad for a dented oil pan.
Now I already know it was a stupid mistake I'm not looking for obvious comments that it was a bad idea...all I need to know is how close is the oil pickup at the bottom of the pan? I have a GT with the track pack so it has the Boss 302 oil pan.
Also I know the pan itself is around $140-$160 but what is involved in changing the pan? Here is a couple pics Thanks in advance!!

Also the car has yet to be started since I did this. It is still on the lift because there is a couple things I need to do before I finish the headers. I do not want to damage the engine by starting it unless I know the dent isn't going to damage anything.

 

As long as it is not leaking you are good to go. Dent won't hurt a thing. On the left is boss oil pan. Nothing to damage inside at that spot. Not a big deal. I have made more mistake than I can count. Its how you learn what not to do next time around.


pic upload

 

I know this out of topic, but should the connector that is on the pan be stained with oil? Last time I changed the oil, I saw an oil stain around it.

 

These old eyes can't really see the dent in your photos. But the oil pickup should be where the raised round area is near the front of the sump. As long as you are not dented near that and you haven't created any leaks you should be good to go.

 

Thanks for posting! Seeing the inside of the pan helps. Is that plastic piece a sensor or a pickup?

I'm sorry here I circled where the dent is. It's more of a "caving in" than a dent.





Any thoughts after seeing what was circled?

 

You probably haven't hurt anything, but I'm the type of person who would swap out that pan at the next oil change as long as I had the means to do all the work myself.

 

Just an update... After successfully installing the long tube headers and getting everything back together I started the car and have driven it for about 100+ miles (with a couple hard pulls) and so far so good since I caved in the oil pan. No ticking or abnormal noises coming from the engine. I must say though...these LT Headers sound amazing! I will probably do a post on them once I get a sound clip.

 

Me too. I'd err on the side of "better safe than sorry" when the part+install can't be more than a few hundred bucks. Unbolt pan, remove old gasket residue and clean up mounting surface, install new gasket+pan.

 

The best way to figure this out is to look at the oil pressure. If it deviates more than 10 LBS lower around turns or acceleration than I would replace it. if not you are good.The dent has changed the baffling. But I am **** about these things. Is it still in Warranty?
Did you notice any difference in performance with the long tubes?

 

I have checked the oil pressure but I guess because I have a Premium model it won't give me any readings... it only tells me "normal" with no gauge. But I guess normal is good! It is still under warranty but I doubt the warranty would be covered in this situation.
I have noticed it's way more responsive.. but honestly I was hoping for the car to wake up a little more...it doesn't feel like it should be pulling as hard as I hoped. Honestly I have to go back and check for leaks... it's so stinking loud and raspy I almost feel like it's TOO loud and might have a leak.

 

Which brand of headers and did you have the tune adjusted for them?

 

I went with stainless works with catted x pipe. I have Borla s type Catback as well. I did get a new tune from Bama.

 

Great choice! I'm surprised to hear you're not more impressed performance wise, I'd consider a revised tune from another reputable tuner. Good luck.

 

You really think it's that easy to swap out the pan? He would have to raise the engine out or remove the crossmember. I am a fanatic when it comes to my cars, but I would leave that alone. He is not near the oil pump pickup and the dent is not that big.

 

Here's a quick snap shot of the install complete. When I get a video clip I'll probably start a new thread. It was def a hard install for me. I'm by no means a mechanic ha Just love to work on my own car!

 

Cool! Looking forward to the new thread. Take a pic of the collectors looking from the side of the car, I'd like to see how far below the frame rails they hang.

 

I was just referring to the general steps involved in an oil pan swap. Didn't remember about the crossmember, so that definitely adds complication.