Topic: Oil Pan Drain PLug Location

[ChrisV289]

I didn't see any threads on the question and Mannel's book only states the difference but does anyone know the change over from the oil pan drain location from the back to the side? 

[J_Speegle]

I've not  studied that detail nor done any research related to that. Not allot of guys taking pictures of their original oil pans either to help out and plenty of them replaced due to damage/bottoming out on something 

[mgmradio]

My Aug 64 car and both of my June 65 cars have the drain plug on the side.

[Dan Case]

I can't tell you when the use of the 1965 model year pan started (location oil drain port changed) but it was by August 25, 1964. How do I know, the 48 each HP289 engines made on that date sent to Shelby American for installation into new Cobras received the new version.

What I have not tried to do is look for dates on "1965" oil pans. I have no idea if pans were still being dated by then but pans made 1961-63 were usually dated.

The image below is of the stamped in information in the original oil pan for High Performance 260 engine serial 137 once long ago installed into a new Cobra. Based on my discussion with Mr. Mannel it reads as January 1, 1962 2nd shift (which was a Monday).