BBYSTWY

So this may seem like a silly question however....I am in the process of modifying my stock oil pan to accept a higher capacity as I can't see spending a bunch of money on something I can make. I don't plan on making the pan any deeper just a wider and longer sump area and it got me thinking about oil level. I plan to change the dipstick out to something more visually appealing and was wondering how I should determine the correct oil level in the "new" pan? Am I to assume that the stock pan/dipstick oil level is correct after all of the additions I've made to motor? It's not anywhere close to stock form anymore and maybe I haven't been running the correct oil level for quite some time?

Engine is question is a 540 with a 14-71 blower fuel injected. I am doing this as part of my oil system overhaul to help keep oil temps down on WOT runs. Several other components are being upgraded as well but as said the oil level is in question. Any thoughts? Thanks!

getrdunn

I would think the full mark line would be the same regardless how many coolers, size hose, pan mods etc as long as you’re not changing depth. What size cooler you running just out of curiosity?

BBYSTWY

I'd have to measure it but it's one of the ones Dan(ICDEDPPL) had for sale not too long ago...probably 4x15ish....wayyyy bigger than the stock cooler I was running. Figured the added capacity, bigger cooler, and all new bigger lines and thermostat housing should help a ton. Was just curious if guys are doing something different with oil level after building motors or just go with the stock GM level? As said it's a 540 so it has a bigger swing on the crank and didn't know if I should be running it a little lower or higher because of this or if it doesn't matter?

snapmorgan

I would think with a stock length dipstick showing about 1 quart low you should be good.

getrdunn

Much better than a qt high IMO unless the oils not get back into pan quick enough at high RPM but don’t see that happening.

ICDEDPPL

Not sure if this is what you`re asking but fill the oil pan with the correct anount of oil and see where it`s at on the dip stick.
I put 12 qtrs. in my 14qt pan and mark the line .

BBYSTWY

My question was after I mod the oil pan which won't have an advertised amount of oil I could probably figure out capacity based on how much I add but was asking if I just go back to the full mark on the stock stick and send it or if I should do some measuring or something while the pan is off to determine correct level?

Not trying to overthink it was just kinda a double verify deal.

snapmorgan

Start with the level a quart low on the stock dipstick. That should keep it off of your stroker crankshaft. If you have some erratic oil pressure readings during a hard run, drop it another quart.

BBYSTWY

Thanks!

ICDEDPPL

ahhh okay .. I agree with snap