oil pans

[plowman]

What is the difference in a 402 pan and a 971 pan? I think both will fit a 383 and both have a five quart system. Would the pickup tube and dip stick read different or are the pickup tube and dip stick the same to measure oil level. If you used a 971 pan and had a 402 pickup tube what would the dip stick read over full or under? Thanks

 

[67 B-body]

I would think you would have the same full indicator on the dipstick regardless. The extra oil that a larger capacity pan carries is at a lower point in the pan. If the dipstick full mark were lowered along with the bottom of the pan, you wouldn't end up having a higher capacity.... Just a lower point for oil to set away from the bottom of the block.
You should however have the correct pickup length to be just off of the bottom of your pan. If you lower the floor of the pan, you better lower the pickup tube!