[Aaron_]

how many quarts of oil does a '64 389 require?
i'm pretty positive it's 5, but i want to be sure.

[Aaron_]

how many quarts of oil does a '64 389 require?
i'm pretty positive it's 5, but i want to be sure.

[rickhicks]

Aaron,

5 if you are changing the filter as well.

[Aaron_]

awesome. thank you.

-aaron

[nap5]

I thought the owners manual said to put 6 qts in my 326 with filter change. Wouldn't it be the same?

[aljan]

AMA Specs from PHS say 6qts with filter change, 5qts without.

[Pecosbill]

Okay, this should clear this up:

Quoting from Paul Zazarine and Chuck Roberts' "Pontiac GTO Restoration Guide 1964-1972" as follows:

"Pontiac Service News Flash number 64-16 (10-18-63) and 65-53 (12-22-64) verified that the oil capacity on all V-8 engines should be five quarts-six quarts with a filter change. Some 1964 models were manufactured with a four-quart dipstick; the five quart dipstick, part number 9776085 (code MF), should be installed. It is easily identified by the five-quart tag on the handle."

My first car was a 64 Lemans with a 326 that registered full after adding only five quarts (including changing the filter), but the 64 Lemans that my son now owns takes six quarts to fill it up to the full line on the dipstick. So all those years I was actually running my Lemans a quart low.

[the goat shepherd]

ok- Paul Zazzarine says 5 qts, 6 with filter but filters were larger back then. With today's smaller filters I find that my 65 389 gto seems just about right with 51/2 qts. I might be wrong but it something to think about.

[Pecosbill]

No, Shep, you are exactly right. 5 1/2 quarts is correct for all 1964 V-8's if you're using the smaller filter.

[elefantrider]

If you have the space (depends if you run headers and the type), i would recommend running the larger filter. Fram and AC still make them... you just need to crossreference the smaller one... look at the threads and seal....make sure they're the same. The extra capacity and filtration might come in handy one day!!

[lil64gto]

Does anyone know where you can get the 6 quart dip dtick still? My 64 has a 5 quart stick still.

Thanks Jim

[Pecosbill]

Save that dipstick, Jim, it may become a rare collector's item! Kinda like a stamp printed upside down.

You can find the right dipstick occasionally on ebay, but other than that you'll need to haunt the boneyards. I'd try Desert Valley Auto Parts (http://www.dvap.com) as I know they have several 64 Lemans's. Call them at 1-800-905-8024.
Bill

[lil64gto]

Thanks Bill I will give them a try.

[Terry M. Hunt]

Since somebody raised the issue, let me ask what you guys mean by "the small filter". I'm assuming you mean you've discovered one that can be removed without loosening the header bolts on cars so equipped. I can't get the PF24 past the Hooker headers and the oil pan on my '65 without backing off the header bolts. What a PIA. What brand/part number are you referring to as "the small filter"?

[elefantrider]

Terry,
Both filters have the same diameter, but not the same length. One is about 1.5-2 inches longer than the other. I believe the reference for the longer Fram filter is PF-8....but it has been a while since i've used Fram, so you might want to double check this. Both filters are a pain in the arse to remove with Hooker Headers.
Here;s my process on my 65 with Hooker Super Comps:

Wait overnight till the oil cools, unscrew the filter, empty most of the oil in it, then rotate and bring it out between one of the header pipes and the frame.... not between the pipe and the pan, as you would normally have thought. ALthough this is not the most direct route and it usually causes a mess... at least it works (for me).

[Pecosbill]

In terms of capacity, the "small" filter looks like it has the capacity of about 1/2 quart of oil, whereas the "full" size filter looks to be about a full quart. I believe the PF-24 is the small size filter.

[engineer]

PF24 is the one that came on my car originally. PF7 maybe?

[HALFWAY]

Dang, I think I have one of those old dip sticks too. I have looked all over the handle and the stick and can't find anything but the fill line and the words "Don't over fill". I guess that was one way of keeping you from doing that.

Where exactly does it say 5 quarts on it. Around the little bell cap or on the handle loop or ....

[Pecosbill]

Halfway, my 64 Lemans just says "Do Not Overfill" while the 64 GTO 389 dipstick says "5 qts. Do Not Overfill." But both are 5 quart dipsticks. The 4 quart one on my 64 Lemans 326 just said "Do Not Overfill."

The only way to know for sure is to drain the oil and replace the filter, install five quarts of oil, start the engine, let it run a few minutes, cut it off and measure the oil on the dipstick. If it shows up low, you've got the right 5 quart dipstick (remember, the filter absorbs 1/2 to 1 quart). If it shows up full or slightly over, you've got the four quart dipstick.

[HALFWAY]

I will check it that way, as I need to change the oil soon. If I have the wrong dip stick then I will add another quart and make a new mark on the stick for the extra quart.

Thanks