Need to replace oil pan in 88 GT - Need advice (Page 1/2)
phils88GT FEB 25, 09:11 AM
So I was under my 88 GT just poking around and saw a huge dent in the oil pan, which must have been there before I go the car a few months ago. Looks like a parking lot speed bump hit by the shape of it.

I was going to try to pull the pan and straighten it, but it would be best to just replace it. I could probably find a used on, or I have seen these sold new online but have to question fit and function of aftermarket parts.

Can anyone advise me on this? Should I try to find used factory, or aftermarket? Are there pans from other model cars with the 2.8l that will work?

Thanks Everyone!
olejoedad FEB 25, 10:27 AM
Show us a picture of the dent.....
phils88GT FEB 25, 11:16 AM
I will get a pic when I get home. For now, the dent runs the length of the sump, and is about ~3/4” in depth at the worst point.
Vintage-Nut FEB 25, 11:49 AM
PAN, Engine Oil / GM 10044674 and yes - discontinued......

This 1988-1991 oil pan assembly was used in several models:

Buick Century (1988-1990)
Chevrolet Celebrity (1988-1990)
Chevrolet Lumina (1990)
Oldsmobile Cutlass (1988-1990)
Pontiac 6000 (1988-1991)
Pontiac Fiero (1988)

I found one GM site which did not show "discontinued".

Stingray Chevrolet
2002 FRONTAGE RD , Plant City , FL, 33566
https://www.oemgmpartscente...125477/10044674.html

Aftermarket: :
RockAuto shows many brands which some are "Out of Stock":
https://www.rockauto.com/en...,engine,oil+pan,5562

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 02-25-2024).]

phils88GT FEB 25, 12:35 PM
This is off of Rock Auto…

Will it not work?
phils88GT FEB 25, 03:10 PM
Here is a pic of my oil pan looking from driver to passenger side…

[This message has been edited by phils88GT (edited 02-25-2024).]

phils88GT FEB 25, 03:28 PM
Isn’t it supposed to be flat across the bottom?
82-T/A [At Work] FEB 25, 04:41 PM
Yeah, it definitely looks like it's dented. It's definitely not the "end of the world," but with the tray dented like that, you run the risk of running a little low on oil since your dip stick will show full when you're probably like half a quart lower. Again, totally not the end of the world... you could drive it like this forever, but if you want to replace the oil pan... it's not a huge problem. Your biggest issue will be the clearance needed to get the pan out.

Assuming you can roll your Fiero onto a platform (so that you can work underneath it... I don't like jackstands unless there's no other option)... you can unbolt the engine front motor mount (after disconnecting the dog bone), and then use an engine lift to "lift up" on the front of the motor. This will give you enough clearance so that the engine support bracket can clear the front motor mount.

You might as well replace the front motor mount at this point since you have access to it. They're like $30 bucks.

Next, you will very likely have to unbolt the motor mount bracket from the engine (two bolts on either side of the motor). With this out... you can now get complete access to the oil pan... and you should be able to remove all the bolts.


WHILE you're down there... you could also replace your rod bearings... that will extend the life of your engine a little bit. It's not too hard to do so long as you can get a torque wrench down there. You cannot replace the main bearings though for obvious reasons.

And ALSO while you're down there, you can install a V6 windage tray... and then button it all back up....
Patrick FEB 25, 05:57 PM

With a dent in the bottom of the pan that size, I'd be concerned that the oil pickup in the sump has been compromised as well.
Vintage-Nut FEB 25, 08:36 PM

quote
82-T/A:
WHILE you're down there...



Perhaps get a new 'stock' oil pump or a high-volume oil pump as the oil pan will be off...?

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles