5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mattchu60 · 09-11-2018, 04:03 PM

I have been reading a lot about the different oil pans to use - I'm putting a 5.3 into my lowered 87' C10 soon. I was considering doing the F-Body pan - but I started reading that the sump area was so long it could cause issues with the engine mounting position as it may hit the crossmember if not back far enough.

It looks like better options may be the CTS-V pan or the Holley pan. CTS-V is cheaper for just a pan, but when you throw in the dipstick, windage tray, pickup and pan - its coming close to the price of the Holley pan.

Is there a reason to get one over the other? My gut says go with the CTS pan as its a GM pan on a GM motor and it'll bolt right up without any issue.

Thoughts? Am I over-thinking this? Should I still consider the F-Body pan?

**1957 Chief** · 09-11-2018, 04:57 PM

CTS-V pan. I was where you are at now, and I went with the CTS-V. Zero regrets.

Bubba

Mattchu60 · 09-11-2018, 07:48 PM

Thanks for the reply! Did you find you had to buy everything - dipstick, windage tray, etc?

**1957 Chief** · 09-12-2018, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattchu60

Thanks for the reply! Did you find you had to buy everything - dipstick, windage tray, etc?

All I needed was the pan, and dipstick/tube. Windage tray was the same.

Bubba

Mattchu60 · 09-12-2018, 05:55 PM

Thanks all for the responses - I ended up ordering a new CTS-V pan today.

**mongocanfly** · 09-11-2018, 08:59 PM

You might even look at a c6 pan...http://www.improvedracing.com/tech/L...dimensions.php

**1971Stepside** · 09-11-2018, 09:32 PM

Don’t need the wind age tray. I just installed my CTSV pan yesterday.

**dayj1** · 09-11-2018, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattchu60

Is there a reason to get one over the other?

Either one will work fine. I'd probably go with the CTSV pan simply due to cost.
When you compare costs, don't forget that the Holley pan doesn't come with a dipstick or gasket. The CTSV pan can be picked up with dipstick, pickup, and windage tray in the $150 range if you watch eBay for a while.

**DaHos** · 09-14-2018, 09:46 AM

Anyone have the part# for the dipstick/tube assembly for the CTS-V pan?

**1971Stepside** · 09-14-2018, 10:16 AM

Tube Part No. 12584738
Dipstick Part No. 12584737
Pan Part No. 12631828 (comes with gasket and bolts)
Windage Tray Part No. 12611129 (don't have to buy this)
Pickup Tube Part No. 12621299 (comes with o-ring)

Daaaanz67 · 09-15-2018, 07:31 PM

I run the CTSV pan and the pick up tube, but still use the truck windage tray and truck dipstick/tube assembly. I just make a mental note where the oil level is full based on the pan capacity. You could also scribe a line on the dipstick for your reference. Just saving a few bucks.

Tork? · 09-17-2018, 08:10 PM

For reference...

HOLLEY MUSCLE CAR PAN

FBODY PAN

CTSV PAN

GM PERFORMANCE/H3 PAN

**Mr_Rich** · 09-17-2018, 10:40 PM

I think the real trick is to get the right combo of parts for the engine you're using. I installed an LS6 in place of the LS1 in my '98 Firebird. The LS6 crate engine I bought was the CTS/V version and I had a lot of parts I couldn't use on my Firebird like the water pump, oil pan, and dual diaphragm clutch. Parts like the oil dipstick tube go into the block but aren't compatible with the exhaust manifolds and AIR tubes like my '98.

UniqueOdyssey68 · 10-05-2018, 06:43 PM

CTS-V pan is a good option if you get all the pieces you need.

I just did a pan swap, learned it depends on many factors already mentioned, plus how much front drop you have, ground clearance w/front cross member, and if you're looking for a simple swap or are ok gathering up all the pan pieces.

I have a mild 3.5-4 inch drop, 60 series tires, but still didn't feel comfortable with the pan hanging below the x-member at all. Took a lot of measurements, and research on here. Went with the GMPP "H3/hot rod/muscle car" pan kit. $200 shipped fast to door from Summit (plus I got them to throw in some swag

. Comes with everything needed, simple easy swap. Hangs down even with cross-member, plenty of ground clearance, clears top of cross-member with room to slide fingers underneath.
Keep in mind any bolt holes on pan that may or may not line up with your tranny bellhousing bolt holes. 1 didn't on mine, but I'm ok with that, others bolted up fine.
See pic -
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1538174949

Hope that CTS pan works well!

09-11-2018, 04:03 PM	#1
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? I have been reading a lot about the different oil pans to use - I'm putting a 5.3 into my lowered 87' C10 soon. I was considering doing the F-Body pan - but I started reading that the sump area was so long it could cause issues with the engine mounting position as it may hit the crossmember if not back far enough. It looks like better options may be the CTS-V pan or the Holley pan. CTS-V is cheaper for just a pan, but when you throw in the dipstick, windage tray, pickup and pan - its coming close to the price of the Holley pan. Is there a reason to get one over the other? My gut says go with the CTS pan as its a GM pan on a GM motor and it'll bolt right up without any issue. Thoughts? Am I over-thinking this? Should I still consider the F-Body pan?

09-11-2018, 04:57 PM	#2
1957 Chief Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Beebe, AR Posts: 462	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? CTS-V pan. I was where you are at now, and I went with the CTS-V. Zero regrets. Bubba

09-11-2018, 07:48 PM	#3
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? Thanks for the reply! Did you find you had to buy everything - dipstick, windage tray, etc?

09-12-2018, 05:55 PM	#5
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? Thanks all for the responses - I ended up ordering a new CTS-V pan today.

09-11-2018, 08:59 PM	#6
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,671	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? You might even look at a c6 pan...http://www.improvedracing.com/tech/L...dimensions.php __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

09-11-2018, 09:32 PM	#7
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? Don’t need the wind age tray. I just installed my CTSV pan yesterday. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-14-2018, 09:46 AM	#9
DaHos Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Owosso, Michigan Posts: 2,860	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? Anyone have the part# for the dipstick/tube assembly for the CTS-V pan? __________________ 1967 C10 SWB Owner - Rustbelt Restorations

09-14-2018, 10:16 AM	#10
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? Tube Part No. 12584738 Dipstick Part No. 12584737 Pan Part No. 12631828 (comes with gasket and bolts) Windage Tray Part No. 12611129 (don't have to buy this) Pickup Tube Part No. 12621299 (comes with o-ring) __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-15-2018, 07:31 PM	#11
Daaaanz67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 857	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? I run the CTSV pan and the pick up tube, but still use the truck windage tray and truck dipstick/tube assembly. I just make a mental note where the oil level is full based on the pan capacity. You could also scribe a line on the dipstick for your reference. Just saving a few bucks.

09-17-2018, 08:10 PM	#12
Tork? Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 217	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? For reference... HOLLEY MUSCLE CAR PAN FBODY PAN CTSV PAN GM PERFORMANCE/H3 PAN

09-17-2018, 10:40 PM	#13
Mr_Rich Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yucaipa, Calif. Posts: 790	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? I think the real trick is to get the right combo of parts for the engine you're using. I installed an LS6 in place of the LS1 in my '98 Firebird. The LS6 crate engine I bought was the CTS/V version and I had a lot of parts I couldn't use on my Firebird like the water pump, oil pan, and dual diaphragm clutch. Parts like the oil dipstick tube go into the block but aren't compatible with the exhaust manifolds and AIR tubes like my '98. __________________ 1989 K1500 Chev. EC Original owner; some of the aftermarket parts I've installed are Borla headers, Hypertech chip, Edelbrock water pump, and a Stillen rear disc brake conversion kit. 2009 Hummer H3T 3.7L 5M (sold) 1997 K2500 Chev. EC 7.4L/ 4L80E 2018 Dodge Ram 2500 HD R/C

10-05-2018, 06:43 PM	#14
UniqueOdyssey68 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Idaho Posts: 73	Re: 5.3 Swap Oil Pan - CTS-V or Holley? CTS-V pan is a good option if you get all the pieces you need. I just did a pan swap, learned it depends on many factors already mentioned, plus how much front drop you have, ground clearance w/front cross member, and if you're looking for a simple swap or are ok gathering up all the pan pieces. I have a mild 3.5-4 inch drop, 60 series tires, but still didn't feel comfortable with the pan hanging below the x-member at all. Took a lot of measurements, and research on here. Went with the GMPP "H3/hot rod/muscle car" pan kit. $200 shipped fast to door from Summit (plus I got them to throw in some swag . Comes with everything needed, simple easy swap. Hangs down even with cross-member, plenty of ground clearance, clears top of cross-member with room to slide fingers underneath. Keep in mind any bolt holes on pan that may or may not line up with your tranny bellhousing bolt holes. 1 didn't on mine, but I'm ok with that, others bolted up fine. See pic - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1538174949 Hope that CTS pan works well! __________________ - long term project '68 C10 true shortbed! Resto-mod. LS swap. Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=769919 "I've still kept this project truck when anyone else would've given up and sold it as is. Giving up is easy, staying the course is part of life's journey" ___________________________________________ '68 C10 true shortbed, LS swap restomod. '03 Z71 daily, '63 AMC Rambler V8 survivor Last edited by UniqueOdyssey68; 10-05-2018 at 06:49 PM.



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