Need Advice on 3800 Engine Swap Oil Level - Series 2 Oil Pan on Series 3 Engine (Page 1/1)
frockfiero SEP 21, 10:06 PM
Hey fellow forum members,

I'm in the final stages of my 3800 engine swap into my Fiero, and I'm facing a bit of a conundrum regarding the oil level. I'd appreciate your expertise and advice on how to proceed.

Here's the situation:
I've installed an AC Delco dipstick tube and an SKP SK264124 oil pan, which is from a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix Series 2.
The dipstick is original that came with the series 3 engine.
I've added 5 quarts of oil to the engine, but when I check the dipstick, it's reading low, barely touching the tip.
I haven't added oil to the oil filter yet, as I'm not sure if the 5 quarts already added might be too much.
Now, my confusion arises because my online research suggests that the oil capacity for this setup should be 4.5 quarts, but my dipstick seems to indicate a lower level.

So, here's where I need your guidance:
Should I trust my dipstick or the specified oil capacity of 4.5 quarts?
I want to make sure the oil level is correct for the first start-up to protect my freshly built and restored motor. If I need to adjust the oil level, how should I do it correctly without overfilling or underfilling?
Your advice and insights would be greatly appreciated. I'm excited to fire up the engine soon, and I want to make sure everything is spot-on before I do.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[This message has been edited by frockfiero (edited 09-21-2023).]

jelly2m8 SEP 22, 02:19 AM
According to Rock Auto for a 3800SC Grandprix the Dipstick and Dipstick tube is the same 1997-2008 Are you sure you have the Dipstick tube inserted the whole way and the dipstick all the way inserted into the tube? I always put the full 5 liters in them and sometimes they need a little extra according to the stick. That's something like 5.3 Quarts

If you had the timing cover off of the engine, did you Prime the oil pump yet? a 3800 that's been apart I will not start until I verify it has oil pressure on a manual gauge. Everyone I had the timing cover off I had to prime the oil pump.

Look at the post by Darth Fiero, it's the first reply. Read it until you understand it and do this. It's not hard and only takes a couple minutes.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...130314-2-115500.html

[This message has been edited by jelly2m8 (edited 09-22-2023).]