B body big block oil pan replace

[Mark's 69]

I have been experiencing oil pressure drop when climbing steep grades, especially on turns. I am looking at a six quart pan and pick up from Summit. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g3511 , http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g3509 . It looks like the pan won't be too much of a problem to change with the engine in the car, but does anyone know if the pick up can be changed with out pulling the engine? Also I am not using a windage tray because of this warning that came with a mopar performance cam: It is also not recommended to use any type of oil restrictors to the lifter galley, windage trays, or baffles, or plug any oil return holes in the lifter valley. Oil has a twofold purpose; it not only lubricates, but it also draws the heat away from whatever it comes in contact with. The cam needs oil splash from the crankcase and oil run-back from the top of the engine to help draw the heat away. Without this oil flow, all the heat generated at the cam is transferred to the lifter, which can contribute to premature wear and/or failure. I don't do any racing so is a windage tray necessary?

[Joe mama]

I just installed the same pan but use a different pick up (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mel-63-s3) in my brothers 69 road runner. The pick up can be changed without removing the engine. It was much easier to change that I thought it would be. I used fine wire to hold the 2 gaskets and windage tray togeather at every 4th bolt hole to keep every thing aligned. When installing the bolts as I got closer to the bolt hole with the wire I removed the wire. this made it pretty easy to install. The reason I installed the new pan on his car is he thinks he is one of the duke boys! It looks like he jumped the car and caved in the pan and pick up.

[67440Dodge]

Nope.. not necessary to run a windage tray.

[Mark's 69]

Thanks guys. Do I need to remove the center link entirely, or just from the pitman and steering arm?

[Joe mama]

I think it would be easier if it was out of the way. I removed mine because I changed the control arm bushings and installing disc brakes at the same time.

[67440Dodge]

X2 on what Joe said.. I seem to remember in HS we had to completely remove it on a Charger.

It may clear with it in, but the extra 10 minutes it will take to remove it will be short in comparison to the time and frustration if it doesn't..

[Mark's 69]

X2 on what Joe said.. I seem to remember in HS we had to completely remove it on a Charger.

It may clear with it in, but the extra 10 minutes it will take to remove it will be short in comparison to the time and frustration if it doesn't..

Good point, frustration is hazardous in my garage.

[67440Dodge]

Did you experience the low oil pressure problems all the time, or is this something that just started recently?

[Mark's 69]

Well, I was bad this year. I always change the oil before I take it out for the first time. I hadn't had it out yet because of work on my house and wanted to go to a local cruise so I took it out without changing the oil first. I checked the oil and it was a little low but I didn't think it was too low. Stupid mistake that won't happen again. Also, I don't know if you are familiar with the hills outside of Carlisle but it happens on the way home on the switch backs.

[67440Dodge]

Yea, I take the back way out of Carlisle whenever I go to/from it. Screw the main drag parking lot, gimme the twisties!