96 GTS w Upgraded Oil Pan What if overfilled to Original dipstick FULL mark

[MrCreosote]

Person handling shipping of car did not realize the new FULL is no longer the factory mark, but a hand scratched one.

I'm thinking it is no problem because the oil pan gasket and crank seals are OK when the oil is at the stock FULL level.

Also, what is the proper oil? I always did what the cap said, but I thought it was 10w30 Mobile 1. Shipping person said he did what cap said put 40 weight in it (I don't remember if 0 or 10w40.

[GTS Dean]

I have no certain knowledge, but since the added capacity comes from deepening the pan, the "FULL" level should not change. The dipstick tube will limit how far the stick drops down, so it's a consistent reference height. Does anyone know otherwise? If you are running at the track, a 1/2 qt. overfill is not a bad thing since there's a lot of oil in the top end of the motor when you're flogging hard.

[MrCreosote]

This is the finned pan I think came from later Gen II's. Question is: Is it intended for 1) added capacity or 2) lower oil level from crankshaft for improved windage.

[nrs1]

I have the 10 qt pan, gates and the newest design windage tray and still run between 1/2 - 1 qt overfill at the start of the day. Dwindles down to about 1/2 qt over, as oil is removed to the catch can. I believe the full mark is still the appropriate mark, per what GTS Dean mentioned. In any case, I would only be concerned if you were running the car hard (track time), and were below this mark.

[MrCreosote]

I can't really remember, but I think mine takes 9 quarts stock. Maybe 12 quarts to the full mark on the dipstick.

Skiles must have had a reason when he remarked the dipstick.

[nrs1]

OEM Later Gen 2 pans are 10 qt vs 8.5 qt previously. Maybe you have a modified pan for 12 qt? or a custom pan that could require a different full mark. If you can get in touch with the previous owner, I'd ask him

[MrCreosote]

Did the early and late Gen 2 pans use the same dipstick and dipstick housing? (and hence maintained the same oil level relatively to the crank?)

I was able to find an old thread where I was trying to figure out that scribed mark on the dipstick: Am I allowed to post a link to a thread on one of the other sites? ....here goes: Original Inquiry (https://www.viperclub.org/vca/threads/1996-gts-oil-pan-upgrade.671881/#post-3262282)

And YES, it appears I have the 3 find late Gen 2 pan. So why the added mark on the dipstick??? I think it took 8 quarts to that added mark and I'm pretty sure it would take more than 1 more quart to reach the original FULL mark. So different dipstick/housing maybe for late Gen 2 pan?

[SilverACR]

If the dipstick tube goes in the block then the pan wouldn’t change where the dipstick mark would need to be. If it goes into the pan it could change the full mark depending where the tube is attached.

It looks like the tube goes in the block for the viper so maybe your tube is different

[MrCreosote]

I was looking at Gen II oil pans for sale and it looks like only bolt holes on the gasket except or a small rectangular port on the front - maybe the "drain" for the timing cover which is the exact opposite during heavy breaking?

Wish I had parts manuals to see if the newer pan had a different dipstick. If there was a change in baffling between the two pans, there is likely to be a change in the oil level too. Maybe even the dipstick tube too.

I guess fill it up with 10 quarts (+ filter??) and see where the level is on the dipstick?

[ICPREY]

They are the same P/N dipsticks, 04763791AD. As others have said, the added volume is added to the bottom and you should just use the OEM markings.

FYI, Roe has all the parts listings on their website.

[MrCreosote]

Thanks for the Roe parts manual tip!

The late Gen 2 pan takes 10 quarts. Do you use 10 or 10.5 quarts for the filter?

Still, would like to know why they marked a low FULL on the dipstick(!) Next time I do an oil change, I'll document # quarts for both marks.

Thanks all,
Tom

[Bill W]

10 with filter on my 2002 RT/10

[nrs1]

Also, just in case you didn't realize, it is 2 qts between the lower and upper marks on the dip stick.