In regards to the stock transmission pan on a 2004r transmission, is there any real benefit going with a deep aluminum finned pan? If so, is there a quality brand out there? I see Summit racing sells the Hughes HP3880 for about $200. I already have a B&M stacked trans cooler but as I am getting my current 2004r replaced I was thinking of going with the deeper pan for my 71 Skylark for the looks and as I have been told the unit holds an extra 2 quarts to aid in cooling.
My trans builder says that until I pull the front wheels no need. On the other hand the GN forums all recommend them. Guess I will stick with what my trans builder says.... he has to fix it
I saw the same forums. My builder stated that if I wanted one he'd install it. I had a recent issue with my 2004r spitting fluid all over the place at normal fluid level recently here in Florida on a really hot day. I can only conclude the fluid must have been foaming as when I removed a quart of fluid she did not spit but the shifting was off in the same temperature. This is one of the reasons the unit is being replaced. At the time I did not have the transmission cooler installed. As I keep the underside of my car clean and like the look of the aftermarket pan I thought it might be something to consider if the cooling benefits were realized. </SPAN>
I run mine 1 quart over full with the stock pan, no problems, not even whoopin' on it all afternoon at the dragstrip. I run an external cooler and it typically runs around 120-130 degrees, 150 in heavy traffic and 180 after several back to back passes at the track. It's your business if you want to throw $200 under your car but it's not something that's necessary.
Thanks for the info Bill. I'm thinking the HD trans cooler I bought will do the trick and although the aluminum pan looks nice, I definitely could find a better use for $200 like you said it $200.00! I never had a transmission do what mine did spitting fluid all over the place and I'm hoping its more of an internal than heat related issue which will be solved with the new unit. Did you run your trans lines directly to the cooler or in conjunction with the radiator?
I run them directly to the cooler because my aluminum radiator does not have an integrated cooler in it. This is the cooler I use. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bmm-70268 It works perfectly, and you already know how hot it is in Florida.
Most smart 200-4r guys recommend running a quart over, they do have a problem with slosh and sucking air if you accelerate hard enough. Suck air once and your nice trans will need a rebuild. If you're a cruiser likely you will be fine.
I bought my Stage 2 2004R 750HP from Lonnie Deirs at Extreme Automatics.. He recommended I go with the deep pan and use Amsoil super shift synthetic oil.. It has been an excellent choice...
I believe "the real Art Carr" sells a cast pan, and Performance Transmissions did sell a fabricated aluminum one. They have closed their doors to transmission building but last I read were working on doing the pans or helping someone else to do it. do a search on turbobuick.com
I probably should have been more clear in my last post. My point was that I suspect the person who recommended a deep pan also sold the deep pan. A good salesman never sleeps. My brother is like that. Before you get done talking to him he'll have sold you something you didn't even know you couldn't live without :laugh:
One of the concerns I had with going with a deep aluminum pan was that it looked as though it would pretty even with my headers and susceptible to road rash. The shallow (but still deeper than OEM) pans seemed to cost a lot more $$.
The main benefit to using a deep pan is that there is a kit that will allow you to use a 700r4 pickup thus almost eliminating the possibility of sucking up air as the 7004r uses a pickup that sits close to the bottom of the pan. It is worthwhile even in stock applications because if for any reason you run low on fluid without it you will be taking that transmission out. This is a little beyond what you would need but the pictures give an idea of what I am referring to
All that is good as long as you're comfortable with the cost. I've made 115 passes down the dragstrip with my stock pan and filter and so far I haven't toasted the transmission, so for a street car it's definitely overkill. Of course, there's nothing wrong with overkill
Nothing wrong with a stock pan and filter, I just want Eagleguy to know the benefits of a deep sump pan are more than just cooling. I run a stock pan and filter on my car with no issues but if the pan has to come down I would like to replace it. Just extra insurance, not a necessity
Mine smoked BEFORE I got to the drag strip. I can't say for a fact this is why, but the trans guy seemed to think so after replacing the clutches and he did not want to pay the freight to get it back again. Maybe you're just luckier than I am, or else my car is a Hell of a lot faster than yours :Brow: .hehe
:laugh: Not sure I want to open a new can of worms here but I'll offer this, my 60ft times hover around 1.82.
Sounds like we would have a close race... I run an 8.35 best 1/8 mi at 4400 ft. The 60' sucks due to it being on old quick-times. And you run stock oil level and pan? You're a luckier man than I it seems.
