1950fordwoodie
Junior Member
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2024
- Posts
- 1
- Reaction score
- 1
- Location
- Gold Canyon, AZ
- First Name
- Bart
- Truck Year
- 1979
- Truck Model
- C1500
- Engine Size
- 406
Hey group, need an answer to a stupid question. My son and I built a small block 400 for my 79 GMC C1500, had our machine shop run and pull it on their dyno. I just dumped the break in oil and refilled it with 5 quarts. I filled the new oil filter, just shy of a quart to get it full, then put the remaining 4+ quarts in the engine. Started it up, built pressure, checked for leaks etc. After sitting level for 15 minutes, I pulled the dipstick to see if it needs any additional to top it off and was surprised to see the dipstick showing over full by about an inch. (Probably around a quart.) I'm running the factory pan that was on the 400 when we pulled it from a 79 GMC K1500. I did have to rotate the factory upper dipstick tube forward 90 degrees to clear my headers, but I wouldn't see how that would make a noticeable difference on oil level. Been a while since I've owned a small block, but back in the day, around 5 quarts was pretty standard capacity for most of them that I remember. Anyway, does anyone have an engine oil capacity chart for 1979 1/2 ton models? I'm having no luck finding a reliable answer online so far. Just want to confirm how much it should hold so I can re-mark my dipstick. Thanks!