Centerlink fitment question
 

Can anybody tell me if the centerlink on a 1969 camaro is the same for SB and BB? My camaro has a 502 which the centerlink has been hitting the oil pan for what appears to be a long time. Is there options out there that would aide in giving me a little bit more clearance so I can get the wheels to turn lock to lock? Thanks

They made a small one (1" diameter or so) for manual steering and 1.125" for ps and BB. But I believe they're interchangeable. The thing with big blocks is they can be bolted in on the small block pads/mounts, or the correct bb mounts/frame pads.

The factory BB frame pads move the engine slightly forward and offset to the passenger side. But even in this config the center link should clear as long as it has the correct oil pan.

Thanks Jody. This could open a whole can of worms.

The larger diameter center link appeared in 1969. I used to think it was stronger/stiffer and perhaps a big block component. I finally got my hands on one and needed to do some modifications to it so I ground on it and found it was very soft! I think some were needed quickly and GM made a version that was larger diameter out of softer steel and did not heat treat them. I doubt they are any better than the smaller one which I think is 7/8" or 15/16".

The 502 comes with a truck pan which will hit the center link.

You will need this pan kit from GM:
12495360
4-Quart Oil Pan, Gen-V and Gen-VI

https://sdparts.com/images/M141484848.jpg

I don't want to reduce the oil capacity really. That would be a great fix I just don't know if that's the answer?

I found this disclaimer associated with this pan:NOTE: Not intended for competition or spirited street driving. Oil sump capacity is insufficient for performance driving. Oil system starvation may result from expended high-rpm operation, hard cornering or rapid acceleration.

I guess its only suitable for a trailer queen.

Yes, I saw where they recently added that disclaimer. Another option would be one of the aftermarket pans with more capacity using kick-outs, but still clears the center link.

I've installed 2 ZZ502's in 1st gens using the above pan. Obviously with the filter I had 5 quarts.

Never had that problem, but somebody must have. I did experience unusual oil consumption, but that was traced to poor oil ring sealing and valve guide seals. I understand that has been corrected on the later motors.

https://live.staticflickr.com/2614/4...083211c0_z.jpg

I do believe that either Moroso or Milodon, or maybe both, make a Gen 6 BBC oilpan that will fit the Camaro chassis better AND provide the desired capacity and baffling.

Andrew