LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

Camaro and Firebird: How to Replace Oil Pump

Failure to replace a bad oil pump can lead to your engine becoming scrap metal. Don't postpone this service and find out how to do it on your own!

By AJ Mawley - April 5, 2016

This article applies to the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (1998-2002).

Your oil pump is essential to your engine's health. It is responsible for circulating pressurized oil to your engine's bearings, camshaft, crankshaft, pistons, etc. If it is not working properly, the chance of engine failure is extremely high. If you notice low oil pressure or a clanking noise coming from your lifters, then take immediate care of the issue and replace your oil pump. There are many oil pumps to choose from, but the most common is the GM replacement, which will be discussed in this article. Also, most of the work leading up to an oil pump replacement has been covered in other articles, which will be linked below. Therefore, this article will focus primarily on the replacement of the oil pump itself.

Camaro and Firebird: How to Replace Oil Pump

Materials Needed

  • 10mm socket and ratchet
  • Torque wrench
  • 12mm socket
  • Shop rags
  • Drain pan

Step 1 – Drain oil and drop oil pan slightly

First, drain your engine oil as you would during an oil change. Then, you must drop the oil pan about an inch to gain clearance for the removal of the pump. Do this by removing the eight 12mm bolts on the perimeter of the oil pan. Carefully lower the pan and make sure nothing drops into it. Move on to the next step.

camaro firebird engine oil pressure pump replace remove change how to
Figure 1. Oil pump location.

Pro Tip

Remove the oil pump in the reverse torque sequence so you reduce the chance of warping anything.

Step 2 – Remove the oil pump

Now comes the tricky part. You have to unbolt the four 10mm bolts holding the oil pump on. Then, pull the pump towards you while also turning it slightly clockwise because you must free the pump from the pickup in the pan. Make sure the blue O-ring on the pickup stays on it. This is critical for proper oil pressure.

camaro firebird engine oil pressure pump replace remove change how to
Figure 2. Oil pump removal.

Pro Tip

Use a wire around the oil pump bolts to secure them if you are scared of them dropping into the oil pan.

Step 3 – Install new oil pump

First, prime your oil pump by pouring new engine oil through the filter on top and turning the rotor by hand. Then, install your new oil pump by sliding it into the pickup tube in the same way it was removed and bolting it down the the engine block with the four 10mm bolts. The torque spec is 18 ft/lbs and make sure that you use a thread locker on these bolts. Then, use your crank bolt to turn the engine over one rotation to seat the oil pump in correctly. That's it, the oil pump is installed. Now, make sure you install your oil pan again. Before starting your engine, it might be advisable to use a professional engine priming system to make the first start up easy on the motor. That's it, button up you LS1 and you will be back on the road!

  • camaro firebird engine oil pressure pump replace remove change how to
    Figure 3. Priming oil pump.
  • camaro firebird engine oil pressure pump replace remove change how to
    Figure 4. Turning engine over once.

Pro Tip

These install instructions apply to a GM factory replacement pump. If you are using an aftermarket pump, check with your manufacturer on install directions and tips.

Featured Video: GM Oil Pump Installation Tips

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