What is the plate in the oil pan for?
 

I am overhauling my son's 97 Z28. I found a very good deal on CL for a fully machined block with 4 bolt splayed main caps. When I took my sons old engine apart, there was a horizontal plate in the oil pan held in place by 3 of the main cap bolts with studs on them about 1.5 inches tall. The block I got off of CL had ARP bolts in place for the main caps, but they do not have the studs on them to mount the plate. What is the purpose of the plate? I thought maybe a windage tray of some sort but it is horizontal not vertical in the oil pan. Is it there for the oil level indicator? Can I just leave it off?

Reb

Re: What is the plate in the oil pan for?
 

Yes, that is the windage tray. You should use it.

Re: What is the plate in the oil pan for?
 

Beat me to it.

Shoebox is right! fo-sho!


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

Re: What is the plate in the oil pan for?
 

Well how do I mount it back. The new ARP bolts don't have the studs mounted on them to attach it to. Should I just use the three old bolts that have the studs and the ARP ones everywhere else?

Reb

Re: What is the plate in the oil pan for?
 

Arp has the correct bolts to mount the windage tray . Give them a call

Re: What is the plate in the oil pan for?
 

as noted it is a windage tray and yes you do need it. If ARP does not have the 3 longer studs I know Miloden has them but don't know if they are part of the "set" of main bolts or sold seperately.

also if your new block/motor is a 383 you will need 1/8" washers between the tray and stud to raise it enough to clear rod bolts. On a 350/355 no proplem.