Whew.. I've installed a rebuilt SBB 350 in a 1981 firebird. The car drives like it's a 68 instead of a 81! The two year engine swap was a success, but it's a leaker. The flexplate is throwing oil everywhere. In a 15 minute run, there's enough oil pooled in the cover to start driping out. Before I start unbolting the engine and set about fixing the rear main seal, I'd like to somehow eliminate the pan gasket as a possibility. Do I need to change the pan gasket? I have 1 1/2 inches between the frame and the pan. Is that sufficient to get the pan out without jacking up the engine? Wish I knew more.. Great forum. Thanks.
You won't be able to get the pan out without lifting the engine. You might want to remove it completely. Did you use a rope seal, or the neoprene?
I can't say for sure for a 1981 Firebird but on my 84 Regal to pull the pan you can take all your bolts out and flexplate cover and you will have to slowly turn the crank over as you pull out front to back and it does come out
I had both rear main seal & rear cam plug leaking, the plug worse that the rear main. U have to pull the engine.
You could pull the distributor and run the oil pump with a drill. Pull the trans cover and have a look with what is happening. Either way I think your pulling the motor. Pulling the pan in the firebird would be pretty easy. It's easy enough to hang the engine and lower the subframe to gain space to pull the pan.
Whoever rebuilt the block should’ve used brass pipe plugs instead of the factory style staked in plugs. One has a .030” hole to lube distributor gear.
I think he had it right the first time, http://v8buick.com/index.php?threads/roller-cam-dist-gear-oiler.351394/#post-2994918 I don't have a hole in the plug or oiler in my roller cam motor. I never hear a peep from my lifters upon cold start up.
That tiny hole in the left galley plug is stupid, why bleed off pressure then spray it at the back of the cam gear?
