Author Topic: Deep Transmission Pan?  (Read 1240 times)

NCBadBird1979

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Deep Transmission Pan?
« on: January 22, 2022, 05:43:50 PM »
Just curious if any of you guys are running a deep transmission pan on your Trans Ams and if you have ground clearance issues. My 79 is about an inch lower than stock height and has long tube headers. The cost of a 200-4R aluminum deep pan vs stock height replacement is about $10 more.
1979 Trans Am Black & Gold Hardtop

highway star

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2022, 08:04:07 AM »
Installed one yrs ago on my '78 with a th350 trans. Bottomed out & cracked.
It was a B&M aluminum, finned and with a drain plug. Nice part tho. PS, stock ride height.

NCBadBird1979

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2022, 05:48:40 PM »
Installed one yrs ago on my '78 with a th350 trans. Bottomed out & cracked.
It was a B&M aluminum, finned and with a drain plug. Nice part tho. PS, stock ride height.

Definitely don't want that to happen. I'll stick with the stock height.  8)
1979 Trans Am Black & Gold Hardtop

olds403

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2022, 06:39:05 PM »
CK performance makes a spacer for the stock pan.  ive tried all the deep pans.   My car is lowered on 17’s no go
1979 Trans Am (Red)
1979 10th Anniversary Trans Ams (Dads)
2023 Mercedes E63s AMG Special Order

Wallington

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2022, 10:27:25 PM »
Mike, is that what you use now, stock GM pan with spacer, or a 'stock' low profile aftermarket something? I see that Hugh and PML, possible others, offer a 'low-profile' version that is still deeper than stock, even with wall thickness. Still allows for 700 pickup/filter?

Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2022, 10:27:25 PM »

NCBadBird1979

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2022, 10:56:05 PM »
I currently have the CK performance spacer on the factory profile pan that I'm replacing since I have 700R4 filter installed. I ended buying the PML stock style low profile aluminum pan a few days ago. I saw they said its approx .5in lower than the stock pan so I'm curious if I'll need the spacer anymore. I guess I'll find out tomorrow when I put it on.
1979 Trans Am Black & Gold Hardtop

NCBadBird1979

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2022, 04:00:47 PM »
I just got done installing the new PML aluminum "stock" low profile pan and you do have to still use the spacer from CK Performance with the 700R4 filter. That extra .5in difference must be material thickness and the fins on the bottom.

You have to trim down the shifter cable bracket that bolts up to the pan as well due to the thickness of the aluminum not allowing the bolt holes to line up 100%.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2022, 04:06:27 PM by NCBadBird1979 »
1979 Trans Am Black & Gold Hardtop

Wallington

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2022, 02:46:57 AM »
Was there a reason you had to replace the stock pan and CK spacer, or just wanted an alloy piece?

NCBadBird1979

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2022, 10:18:26 AM »
I replaced the stock pan because it had quite a few dents and dings in it that couldn't be flattened out and scuffs from whatever vehicle it came out of previously. The metal spacer from CK was installed when I had the transmission built with billet internals last year to swap out for the TH400 that was in the car. I ended up reusing it with the aluminum pan due to having the 700R4 filter installed.

Since they don't make reproduction 200-4R steel pans I opted to buy an aluminum pan versus searching for a used pan. The aluminum pan is a little pricey but it is very well made and came with all of the hardware needed.
1979 Trans Am Black & Gold Hardtop

formula jg

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #9 on: February 25, 2022, 10:29:22 AM »
My '79 has a 700R4, is dropped front 2" and rear almost 3" and no bottoming issues with the Derale Cooling Pan.

https://derale.com/product-footer/transmission-pans/cooling-pans/14204-detail

Wallington

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #10 on: February 25, 2022, 08:39:59 PM »
Not street driven? Or scrapes on headers instead?!

formula jg

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2022, 08:17:06 AM »
Yes it is street driven, minor header and muffler scrapes.

Wallington

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Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #12 on: March 01, 2022, 08:26:05 PM »
Seems to be one or the other. Unfortunately, I don't have headers or low exhaust to protect it. Maybe glue the stock steel one under it as a bash plate...!

Annoyingly I sold my new medium PML pan, after being told they were rubbish by the trans builder. Naturally, he sold his own brands and didn't advise deep pans were not suitable for many situations either. They aren't terribly cheap if you want to try a different depth or brand. Or ship them around the world.

Re: Deep Transmission Pan?
« Reply #12 on: March 01, 2022, 08:26:05 PM »
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