Can an oil pan be tapped from above?
 

I'm looking from the bottom of my car, about to tap my oil pan with a dilemma. This has been covered countless times, I know, but for some reason I feel uncomfortable drilling with the steering rack and A/C there.

The only options I can muster are removing the A/C compressor and lowering the subframe or going from above. I feel that it would be easier and provide more room by removing the header shield and air box.

Before I do either of these things, I thought I'd ask the expects though.

Thank you in advance,

Brian

Alright, so the above approach wont work; this is quite clear..

I need atleast 17in worth of drill next to my oil pan. I guess removing my A/C compressor is the best option.

I still feel as though I'll be going in at an angle to clear the A/C bracket, however..

i was able to fit a small drill in there, but i had to remove my AC to do it, definatly wont work from above. the drilling will be at a slight angle, but once you tap it, make sure the tap is straight and you will be fine. its not as hard as it looks.

Or just remove the AC bracket for drill clearance, since you need more clearance for the drill than you do for the fittings. It's 5 bolts.

This is what I used $19.00 Harbor Freight Tools (will work from above ) :2cents:

Wish I could use that, I'm doing a full 1/2npt and 10an fitting. My drill bit is a 1/2 receiver.

A/C is just about off, thanks guys.

I drilled a 1/2 hole as well but I used a bit that had a 1/4 shank :idea:

That's what I get for buying the cheapest bit I could find = \

Cheap drill bits are always a waste of money.when you step up to good bits you will notice the difference....Then you will want a variable speed drill.
(G)

Question: I see the baffle from where I drilled, is this bad?

Nope thats fine.

I love you all, done. Took my time with it, because I had a half orgasm face on the whole time.. shit's scary

Oh, and for the record: I unhooked my sway bar- jacked up my motor and removed my a/c compressor to do this. Probably not the best way, but it worked..

Probably too late for this, but measure twice to make sure the fitting and hose will fit after reinstalling the AC.

When I did mine like 10 years ago, the hole wound up too high and I had to drop the subframe to take the oil pan off to fix it.

--Ian

http://flyinmiata.com/support/instru...all_turbos.pdf

look through that guide, it helped me a lot while i was installing my kit. it explains how to drill the hole n' stuff.

You seriously removed the AC compressor, intake pipe and headers to drill 1 hole? Should have lifted up the car removed the plastic cover and looked for your self. The steering rack is a mile away from the place u're drilling in. Same with the rest of the guts.

All the crap except the compressor would be out anyway I'd assume, and that's only a couple bolts to take it and the bracket off.

Yes, I probably would have been able to do this without removing the A/C.. I apologize.

I do have a related question, however: What are the tolerances on the baffle in the oil pan? Because I didn't drill in the usual place, I feel the fitting is too close to it.

Denting it a little is probably a horrible idea to give the fitting more room to thread, but I was wondering.

Thanks