C2 1966 High performance 327 350 hp

[Shelby G.]

I have a Chilton"s , General Motors, Corvette 1963-82 repair manual. On page 1-66, it gives the oil capacity as 5 quarts plus one for the filter ( 6 qts). I also have a 1966 CHASSIS Service Manual for Chev. Chevelle Chevy 11 and Corcette ST 72. On page 0-11 under engine crankcase oil it says 8 cylinder (327) 4 qts and an additional qt. with a filter change. When I change my oil and use 5 Qts, I read 1/2 qt low on the stick. If I use 6 qts it will read over full. HELP and THANK YOU

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 1966 High performance 327 350 hp

Hi Shelby,
From your member number it looks like you are a newer member. Welcome aboard to the Board.

As to your question, do you know if your car has the original pan or has the dipstick or dipstick tube replaced? If you are certain you have the correct pan you may need to recalibrate the dipstick. You can check the archives for a procedure to do this. If you have not use the Archives, you'll find them easy to use and very helpful. Click on the "Search" option in the second blue line at the top of the page.

I know on my 66 327/300 the Chassis Service Manual is a reliable guide for the oil capacity. Perhaps someone on the board with a 327/350 can share as to whether this manual is not correct.

Good luck.

[Jim T.]

Re: C2 1966 High performance 327 350 hp

Are you using the original cannister oil filter or has your 66 been converted to a newer spin on filter?

[Bill I.]

Re: C2 1966 High performance 327 350 hp

There is the answer. Cannister or spin on. Bill

[Shelby G.]

Re: C2 1966 High performance 327 350 hp

I 'am still using the canister filter . I beleave my oil pan is original. The bottom line is ,Does the HP 327 take 5 or 6 qts of oil when a change is made? Is the oil pan different on these two engines. Is there a difference between the 1966 300 hp and the 350 hp engines? Thank you very much for your replys.

[James W.]

Re: C2 1966 High performance 327 350 hp

Shelby,

With the cannister type oil filter on a 327/350 engine the total capacity is five (5) quarts of oil.

As far as I know the oil pan capacity on a 327/350 engine is the same as a 327/300 engine. The 1963 through 1965 Corvette 327 engines with 340, 365 and 375 hp had the larger oil pan capacity that required a total of six (6) quarts of oil.

Sounds like the dip stick tube, dip stick or both are not right. Until you get this corrected, fill the the engine with five (5) quarts of oil, start the car to let the oil curculate. Shut it off and let the oil drain back for about 15 minutes and check the level. If you have verified that the dip stick is not the original one mark the dip stick at this level with a small center punch so you know where the full mark is until you can find out which part is not correct. Be sure the car is on a level surface when you do this.

Welcome to the NCRS!


Best Regards,

James West