63 DV RatRod- need advice

[Bob Ricks]

Hi gang;

1963, 390V8

I'm looking to clean up a few oil leaks around the Motor Oil pan.  I'll be removing the exhaust & exhaust manifolds and replacing with basic headers and new dual exhaust..  While doing that I want to drop the oil pan to fix those oil leaks.  Question is it possible to drop the pan without lifting the motor?  It looks like there is enough clearance, but I figured I'd ask anyone with experience?

[Kurt]

Yes. You can remove the oil pan without lifting the engine. I removed mine several years ago and if I remember correctly I needed to rotate the crankshaft so that the front counterweight was up and out of the way for more clearance to slide the oil pan off. Other than that, it was as written in the shop manual.

[Bob Ricks]

Thanks Kurt,  Guess I should look for a shop manual... :)

[Kurt]

Yep, the shop manual is a must-have if you work on these cars. There are even soft copies available now which are nice because you can print out the section you need and have it on-hand while you're working on the car and not worry about smudging up the manual. Here is the steps for oil pan removal.

[Bob Ricks]

I'm no stranger to getting my fingers dirty.  Haven't done much in recent years, but now have more time and a 4 post lift to assist... :)  I just repaired the biggest leak (tranny cover and feed tubes.)  But I think this project is moving outside for the winter.  Next up.. 85 BMW 635csiA with a radiator replacement and a gas leak at the tank inlet.  2nd is an electrical problem on the Jag XJ-S convertible top.  So you can see I'm pretty versatile on car mechanics.  I'm thinking job 1 is another 6 pack, job 2 at least a couple cases and job 3 will take a life time and several bottles of good Bourbon and Cigars... lol  Oh and thank you for the instruction scan.

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Bob 

We love good mechanical advice of all kinds on this site and as you can see we produce results regarding the questions asked to help 

Enjoy 

[Ian Osborne]

I have a clean original for $35 + shipping if you are interested.

[e-mail]

[Tony and Ginny 429]

A service manual for sale ?

Enjoy

[Ian Osborne]

Yes, shop manual

[Bob Ricks]

Ozzie, Yes I'm interested.

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Bob 

The Sanders headers are not a plug and play job as there are issues with the clearances of the oil pan and the header collector boxes —and you have to make a bracket for the alternator yourself 

Sanders are the only headers I know of made for our cars or do you have another option ?

There are threads  in the library about the Sanders headers installation on the top right of the home page ———Search 

You will find a problem with duals out the back due to the gas tank size  on the passengers side at the rear but it can be done 

You  might want  consider exiting the pipes before the rear tires as a option unless it’s a look you are after 

CHEERS and a bit of a wonder how you get all that done  —-LOL !! 

Enjoy 

[Bob Ricks]

I've been seeking Header options, I know some custom builders but would rather find a fit.  Alternator bracket I can design something. (engineering brain deficiency could be a problem, lol) Sought through E-Bay and other sites for options, yes limited.  It looks like the collector needs to be straight down and not angled (or maybe I had too many beers when i looked)  I was looking at the gas tank and existing exhaust location up and over the axle in front on the g.t., thought there was clearance for a pipe to exit behind the rear tires with the pipe under the axle, otherwise I don't have a problem existing in front of the rear tires, that was my original idea.  But I was thinking too loud for anyone in back seat especially with only a set of glass packs muffling the dual pipes, one exiting each side.  I will let you all know when i geterdone with pics.

[Tony and Ginny 429]

This community really does need a good set of headers available for our year cars as the stock exhaust manifolds in good condition are starting to get harder to find and will not get any easier as the years pass 

Having a drag racing background I do enjoy the efficiency that a good set of headers and exhaust system bring to the engines performance and they look great when you pop the hood 

Keep us posted on your project 

Enjoy