I thought I remembered seeing on here a long time ago someone mentioning that 400 small block oil pans were slightly different from other small block chevy oil pans, in that they were notched out at one part due to the larger counterweights on the 400's crank. Is this true? I can get a hold of a 400 specific pan most likely if I need to do so, but how do I spot these out?


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'71 RS/SS pile of parts: full roller 406sbc / 9.76:1 w/ E-Tec Al. heads / 750 Competition AFB / 12"/11.1" 4 whl discs / big sway bars / 4 speed 3.23 posi / 81 Z28 & dual snorkel vette Air Induction

Looked at the pan on the 400 I have in the garage, a 73 model. Can't see anything, just by looking, different from the 350 pan, the 350 actually seems a bit deeper than the 400 with a step down in the center part of the pan while the 400 pan is pretty flat back to the sump.

a while back when i first got my 400 i decided to throw on a oil pan that was sitting around... it was probably from a 350, and the crankshaft would hit it when i turned the engine over... I don't think they're compatible... hope this helps...

where would the crankshaft hit it? Was it towards the front??? I swear I remember someone giving instructions to just dimple the edge of the pan with a hammer to make it clear. Any ideas where?

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'71 RS/SS pile of parts: full roller 406sbc / 9.76:1 w/ E-Tec Al. heads / 750 Competition AFB / 12"/11.1" 4 whl discs / big sway bars / 4 speed 3.23 posi / 81 Z28 & dual snorkel vette Air Induction

I really don't remember where it hit. I wish i could tell you... but maybe you could dent the pan to fit. It was barely hitting if i remember correctly.

the one i just did with an aftermarket pan hit by the back, where it cuts in by the oil filter...that was the only spot, a couple taps with the ball pein and it works fine.

I've used other SBC pans on 400s before. If there were any differences it never...... um........ well........ made a difference, if you know what I mean. I would have to say they are the same pan or so close you'd never be able to spot it from across the room.

Aftermarket pans often do have little reliefs in them along the rails specifically for extra rod clearance (rod BOLT clearance is more to the point, actually). But stock pans? I don't think so. I think they're the same, unless someone has evidence to the contrary.