4X4 PICK-UP TUBES

The 4x4 V8 oil pan shown at the top of this page has a sump that is about 3" deeper than the 2WD sump. The oil-pump pick up tubes must be replaced with the units shown above.

The oil pans sold be Stealth Conversions include the pick-up tubes shown above. The pick-up tubes have a bracket which bolts to the oil pump to positively secure the pick-up in place without the need to weld the tube to the pump.

Generally, 1995 and older small-block engines use a 5/8" oil pump pick-up tube (shown on the left), and 1996 and newer small block engines use a 3/4" pick-up tube.

Relocated Oil Filter

On 4X4 S-Trucks, the stock V8 oil filter interferes with the front driveshaft, and the oil filter must be relocated. On a 2WD S-Truck, a relocated oil filter is not required, but it helps with the exhaust routing.

1992–1996 Corvette LT1 engines use an offset oil filter adapter for exhaust clearance purposes. On the 4X4, this greatly simplifies the problem of relocating the oil filter without the problems of oil hoses and fittings that can fail and destroy engines. On the 4x4 trucks, the engine must be offset towards the passenger’s side at least 3/4" for the filter to be a safe distance from the front driveshaft. The engine  must  be  set-back  at  least 1/2" for the filter to be a safe distance from the front differential. We recommend that you position the engine so that there is at least 3/4" between the oil filter, the driveshaft, and the differential (If you install the polyurethane inserts (S10-107, then you can leave about 1/2" clearance, due to the reduced engine movement).

The offset oil filter adapter uses the 4.3 V-6 oil filter, which is narrower than the standard V-8 oil filter. Notice how close the filter is to the pan. This offset adapter may not fit aftermarket oil pans. The adapter is easily installed and uses a bypass valve to prevent engine damage if the filter gets clogged. GM no longer has the part.

Stealth Conversions still has a limited supply, complete with hardware, gaskets, and instructions, for $99, including shipping (Part Number S10-112)

The one disadvantage of the offset oil filter adapter, compared to a conventional remote oil filter is that the skid plate (an option on 4x4 models) must be removed to change the filter. However, an opening can be cut into the skid plate for access to the oil filter.

4x4 Do-It-Yourelf Oil Pan Extension

The Stealth Conversions pan shown on the left (S10-111, cost $225, including shipping) is for 1986 and newer engines. It is made by taking a new S-10 4x4 4.3 V6 oil pan (Part # 10239674, retail cost is about $90), cutting and welding in an extension to make the pan as long as the V8 pan. Factory reinforcement rails (with zinc coating removed) are welded onto the pan, and cover the unused bolt holes. Using the reinforcement rails as a guide, new holes are drilled into the pan to match the V8.

On the right is a 4.3 V6 4x4 oil pan and the oil pan extension. If you or a friend can cut, weld, and grind, the 4x4 oil pan extension (Stealth Conversions part # S10-113, cost $25) will make it possible for you to extend the length of a 4x4 4.3 V6 pan to work with your swap, and save you about $200, providing you are using a 1986 or newer engine and already have a 4.3 V6 4x4 pan. The extension is 4.4 inches long, and is precision formed to exactly match the cross-section of the 4.3 V6 pan. It is made of 16 gage cold rolled steel, which closely matches the thickness of the steel in the oil pan.

You will also need reinforcement rails that have had the factory zinc coating chemically removed. Welding on zinc-plated parts is extremely dangerous due to the toxic fumes that form. Sandblasting or grinding does not do a good job of removing the zinc.

The extension piece (part # S10-113) does not include the oil pan, and only works on 1986 and newer engines

Oil Pan Pickup Tubes for Do-It-Yourelf Oil Pan

The oil pickup tube on the left is the standard V8 part that is found in a Camaro, Caprice, or 2WD full size pick-up.

The oil pickup tube on the right (GM part #14054836) must be installed when using the 4.3 V6 style sump for the 4X4 V8 conversion. It is the same oil pick-up tube that is used in the 2.8 and 4.3 V6 4X4 S-Truck. It must be used with the deep sump 4X4 oil pan or the engine will suck air and die. This is not the same pick-up tube that comes with the pans shown on page 3-10.

Although the 4.3 V6 4X4 sump is 2-1/4" deeper than the 2WD sump, it is shorter (front to back), and does not have more oil capacity. The sump shown on the previous page holds 4 quarts.