The engine runs well and the transmission shifts well. The only indication was the oil gauge dropping at a stop light. I immediately put 3 quarts in. There was nothing visible at this time. When I stopped 40 miles later, there was smoke from the oil and coolant mixture getting on the exhaust. At this point, it was pouring past the reservoir cap, and it was everywhere. The 3 quarts were gone in 40 miles. It still ran well. I put more oil in to drive onto the trailer I borrowed to get it home. Many people say head gasket, but I know of no pressurized oil that would be adjacent to the water jacket/head gasket. I assume the oil still travels through the lifter/pushrod/rocker arm path.
Does the lifter gallery crack in the block?
Why does the engine run so well?
Does the LT1 have oil paths different from the rest of the small blocks?