3800 oil pan question (Page 1/1)
cam-a-lot SEP 14, 08:08 AM

Hello

I am planning to get my exhaust re-done soon. My car has a Series III 3800 with the aluminum oil pan

The exhaust runs the stock fiero route, using WCF headers

The existing pipe running "around" the oil pan has basically no clearance and is mostly "below" the cradle, and has scraped on the road as a result. I see that many people switch to the steel oil pans when installing Series III motors. Is this because it gives you better clearance for the pipe? I am hoping to be able to run the new exhaust at the same level or slightly higher than the cradle

It is 3" pipe currently. Maybe that is the issue?

The photo above is NOT my car. I have circled the problem area on mine, and this photo looks like a steel oil pan- hence my question

On my car, I can't really fit the pipe between the pan and the cradle

[This message has been edited by cam-a-lot (edited 09-14-2024).]

87GT3800SC5SPD SEP 14, 02:12 PM
I have an aluminum pan and 3" exhaust. My front engine mount is attached to the top of the cradle and the original front mount bracket has been removed from the cradle. It's a snug fit, but there is clearance and the pipe does not contact either the pan or the cradle. The pipe is not lower than the cradle.

[This message has been edited by 87GT3800SC5SPD (edited 09-14-2024).]

cam-a-lot SEP 14, 07:26 PM
Thanks,. Do you happen to have any pictures underneath your car?
87GT3800SC5SPD SEP 15, 12:43 AM
Yes, but it will take a little time to locate them. My conversion was done 20 years ago, so I will do some searching tomorrow.

Is your cradle an 88?

[This message has been edited by 87GT3800SC5SPD (edited 09-15-2024).]

jelly2m8 SEP 15, 03:42 AM
When I did a 'WCF 3800 swap 3 inch exhaust' swap, he only way we could get the exhaust above the bottom of the cradle was to clearance a steel pan. Do a search for Rikker His posts show all the mods we did.


just a fyi, a 3 inch exhaust on anything below a turbo 3800 is unnecessary and no gain.

[This message has been edited by jelly2m8 (edited 09-15-2024).]

cam-a-lot SEP 15, 06:09 AM
Thanks everyone. Hopefully you are able to find and post some pics

My exhaust was done by the PO, and I too had a feeling that 3" is probably not necessary. My cradle is an 88

If I switch to 2.5" pipe, it may help.

Going back to question about aluminum vs steel oil pan- can anyone tell me if the steel oil pan has more clearance and this is why people switch to it?
Frenchrafe SEP 16, 02:02 AM
Hello,
Your headers make the front pipe go under the car?
I would try to modify them to make the front pipe/crossover go over the gearbox. As in most 3800 applications.
I wouldn't want a heat source running close to my engine mount.

Yes, the steel sump pan is probably a better shape if you have to pass exhausts in the stock position. And steel is slightly easier to work if you have to modify it.

------------------
"Turbo Slug" - '87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. - The fastest Fiero in France! @turboslugfiero
https://youtu.be/hUzOAeyWLfM

cam-a-lot SEP 16, 08:19 AM
Apparently the RWD Camaro oil pan offers more clearance for exhaust on a Fiero when bolted on to the FWD 3800 motor

Trying to find some threads or photos online to confirm...
Frenchrafe SEP 16, 10:56 AM
I blew up a motor because of oil starvation while cornering on a track/race circuit.
Don't run that risk with putting a smaller capacity longditudinal pan for a transverse application. Well that's my opinion.😉
If you must run custom exhaust pipes underneath, then make/modify a custom sump pan. Keep at least the original quantity of oil and make sure side to side sloshing doesn't leave your pickup dry!
Cheers,

------------------
"Turbo Slug" - '87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. - The fastest Fiero in France! @turboslugfiero
https://youtu.be/hUzOAeyWLfM

cam-a-lot SEP 17, 09:34 AM
Thanks

I did not realize it is smaller capacity. I don't quite understand how changing the oil pan will affect oil delivery when cornering. But I am not very technical unfortunately

Has anyone here actually installed the Camaro pan and can jump in with some feedback?

thanks