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Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 9:27 pm
by smwalker
So I did the Deep Pan Mod described very well over at CarModder.com:

http://www.carmodder.com/view_doc.php?d ... del_id=151" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Couple of things I ran Into. The GM bottles of Trans Fluid have a vent in them now so trying to use my fluid pump I was unable to center it in the hole and thus could not tighten down the pump on to the gallon container. Broke it trying, managed to git the fluid in. I guess have a clean gallon jug you can transfer the fluid into that will work with your pump or a different kind of fluid pump.

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On Checking the fluid level after you fill it up there are a few issues that come up.

1. Getting the car level. I read the car has to be level so when you take out the fluid level plug it goes to the right level in the pan. Problem is it seems like you really have to get the transmission level (not the same thing as the car level. I guess when GM techs do this on a lift they just lift the entire car level and the trans is close enough to level. But to my eye the trans being level and the car being level are to different things. I could only get it so level with jack stands so going to try and check the level on a lift and see how that comes out.

2. So to check the final level you have to have the transmission temp up to operating temperature, have the car (or trans) level and pull the fill check plug and see if any fluid drains out. Fine enough. But if you have to add any fluid you have to pull the fill plug at the side of the trans and add more fluid. Well the only way to get to that plug is putting your hand right next to the exhaust. And just getting that plug out is hard enough without having to deal with a hot exhaust pipe.

This leads me to believe GM must have a tool to fill the transmission through the bottom level check hole. No way are techs putting their hands up the side of the trans next to the exhaust. So it would be nice if we could get our hands on something that would make it easier. Maybe just a small tube in the fill check hole could pump fluid in while still allowing some to escape when it is full. Gonna have to experiment with that.

Also came across that many guys are just adding an aftermarket flexible dip stick tube to make the filling easier. Ones they are using are from Lokar Industries at about $100.00 a pop. If it was $30.00 Maybe I would do that, but it's not that hard an operation to pump it in at the side fill hole.

I measured what came out at about 6 Quarts. So I know the new pan holds more so I just pumped in 7 quarts so I know there is enough in there for now till I can check it on a lift.


Parts Info:

2 Gallons AC Delco Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
AC Delco Part Number: 10-9030
GM Part Number: 88861954
$23.64 a gallon thru Amazon.com - Free Shipping

Transmission Filter from the Cadillac CTS and Many Trucks (Wide mouth)
GM / AC Delco Part Number: 24236933
$28.79 thru RockAuto.com - Bit Cheaper on Amazon.com

Transmission Pan from the Camaro/Cadillac STS (Deep Pan)
GM / AC Delco Part Number: 24250062
$22.79 thru RockAuto.com - Best price I found

Transmission Pan Gasket (can reuse old one if not to many miles on it)
GM / AC Delco Part Number: 24224781
$12.00 Thru RockAuto.com - Only $6.00 shipping for 3 items.

I am not much of a racer so I cannot tell any difference performance wise but I do like the idea of more fluid and a deeper submerged pick up point.

Ground Clearance was the other issue. Tried taking a few side shots to see if the pan came down below the rails. It does a bit in a certain spot but still not lower than the exhaust couplings hanging low. Would not recommend for a slammed car. But for most of us do not think it will cause any issues.

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Re: Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 1:04 pm
by orgdnr
I did this upgrade last night. 1/2 pint short of 8 qts to fill it. I couldn't justify $200 for the B&M pan and went with the same one you used.

Re: Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 8:34 am
by bsparks72
I'd like to get the Lokar dipstick, so I only have to go through all of the gyrations once to establish where the fluid should be (minding trans temp, etc to be consistent). Not having a dipstick drives me nuts.

From what I've read, the best to get would be the 36" long:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lok-x ... /overview/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 2:58 pm
by CrashTestDummy
So there is a spot for the dipstick tube, and stick, but no tube or stick? That's messed up.

Re: Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2015 12:20 am
by bsparks72
Yeah, the aftermarket dipstick goes in the fill plug on the passenger side

Re: Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 1:40 am
by Fudgehog
I am also going to install the deep pan and fill with Amsoil Dexron VI rated fluid, (probably next week) however the clearance issue does concern me a bit. I am also going to use the Lexar dipstick, currently $109 on Ebay. Smwalker, have you or anyone else fabricated a skid plate or something similar to protect it?

One reason I ask is that if I do this upgrade, next year I am planning to replace all four struts with OEM PPVs and use Pedders FE2 coilovers. I've read that those grant only about a 3/4" drop in the front and OE height in the rear.

Do you think I will have any clearance issues? The reason I going with the Pedders kit is because I do not want my car lowered much more than stock.

https://www.amazon.com/Pedders-Suspensi ... pontiac+G8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Scratch that it looks like I will be looking at PED-2957 (About .4" drop in rear) and PED-2956 (about .8" in the front). Although I don't want to lower it even that much.

Re: Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 2:22 am
by s/c'd cav
ive got a b&m dipstick for sale , similar to the lokar

you can also use a oe dipstick from the trucks , it was on one of the g8 boards

Re: Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 8:52 am
by CrashTestDummy
s/c'd cav wrote:ive got a b&m dipstick for sale , similar to the lokar

you can also use a oe dipstick from the trucks , it was on one of the g8 boards
Yes, this one:

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1985

Re: Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 10:06 am
by kevink
Fudgehog wrote:I am also going to install the deep pan and fill with Amsoil Dexron VI rated fluid, (probably next week) however the clearance issue does concern me a bit. I am also going to use the Lexar dipstick, currently $109 on Ebay. Smwalker, have you or anyone else fabricated a skid plate or something similar to protect it?

One reason I ask is that if I do this upgrade, next year I am planning to replace all four struts with OEM PPVs and use Pedders FE2 coilovers. I've read that those grant only about a 3/4" drop in the front and OE height in the rear.

Do you think I will have any clearance issues? The reason I going with the Pedders kit is because I do not want my car lowered much more than stock.

https://www.amazon.com/Pedders-Suspensi ... pontiac+G8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Scratch that it looks like I will be looking at PED-2957 (About .4" drop in rear) and PED-2956 (about .8" in the front). Although I don't want to lower it even that much.
You'll be fine. My car is lowered 2" in the rear and 2 1/8" in the front and there's tons of ground clearance. More than any lowered vehicle I have ever owned. I can measure it if you want. The Camaro trans pan is not even the lowest part.

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Re: Deep Pan Transmission Modification

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 10:11 am
by Fudgehog
You'll be fine. My car is lowered 2" in the rear and 2 1/8" in the front and there's tons of ground clearance. More than any lowered vehicle I have ever owned. I can measure it if you want. The Camaro trans pan is not even the lowest part.
Thanks!