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Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 8:25 am
by Hitchcock
Is anyone here running an aluminum oil pan? I have a high dollar Steffs fabrication pan, that all of the bolt holes areound the rail have to be clearanced to fit the bolts. The bolts I am using are ARP stainless, 12 point, and have a shoulder around the bolt head. I have ground down the welds on the pan rail, and had to grind down the collar on the bolt as well. I was just wondering of anyone else has had to do this. Thaks, later Hitch...

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 9:34 am
by John_Heard
Fabricated pans are typically a pain in the butt to get fit up. I understand having to slot the holes some, but not clear why you're having to modify the studs?

On mine they must be assembled through holes in the bottom of the pan, real fun project trying to get the nuts up through the bottom of the pan and started. First time I assembled it I think I had the pan off three times because the nut slipped off. I finally made a special long drive and socket that are welded up so they can't come apart. A little bit of grease on the nut/socket helps it stay in place when you fish it up into place.

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 11:10 am
by Hitchcock
John, on the side with the power kickout I am using studs, and yes, I have access holes with plugs in the pan. Those are not bad. I have been using a little electrical tape to hold the nut on the socket as I insert in into the pan. But the other side without the kickout, I am using bolts (not studs, where the pan rail is exposed) and the bolt head has a shoulder, like a built in washer around it. In an effort to not remove all the material off the pan to clear it (so I dont grind trough it) I ground the bolt down a bit as well. I was just curious if this was common. I will post up some pictures here in a bit to show whay I am talking about, and what I have done.

I was considering a moroso pan #21047. But that pan has dividers in it right where the main caps are, adn it has to be trimmed for a stock block for some reason. So I would sell one pan, and buy a 450.00 dollar one and just have to trim it as well.

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 11:16 am
by John_Heard
I'd just change the bolts to a socket head cap screw, with a small lock washer. That will give you more clearance.

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 11:53 am
by Hitchcock
John_Heard wrote:I'd just change the bolts to a socket head cap screw, with a small lock washer. That will give you more clearance.

Yeah, but I didnt have any money to order new bolts (we are still catching up from our honeymoon), then I would have to wait to get them. So I did this instead...

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Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 1:08 pm
by supernova
Have you ever heard of a spot face cutter? I have a set of about 20 sizes. They come in handy.

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 1:19 pm
by Hitchcock
Where do you get those? Looks like a nice litte thingamajiggy.

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 2:26 pm
by supernova
Search on line for "spot face" tools and you will get 1000's of site that sell them..

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 5:13 pm
by wikd69
supernova wrote:Have you ever heard of a spot face cutter? I have a set of about 20 sizes. They come in handy.

Yeah, what Chris said...

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 8:05 pm
by John_Heard
I see now. You would think for the price of those pans they would do that sort of finish work for you.

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 8:13 pm
by supernova
John_Heard wrote:I see now. You would think for the price of those pans they would do that sort of finish work for you.
I agree! :thumb:

Re: Aluminu oil pan

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 9:42 pm
by Hitchcock
No kidding, luckily I bartered for this thing. But still if I have to replace it its pricey.