Fluid level with deep trans pan

[Ghoste]

I'm wondering how many still fill their trans up to the "full" mark on the dipstick when you are using a deep pan and how many run it a little lower?

[John_Kunkel]

It's not a good idea to run the fluid level much lower than one pint below full. The full mark is the target regardless of how much fluid is below it.

Since there are no gaskets in the valve body, hard acceleration/decelleration can partially uncover the valve body causing the pump to suck air.

[Plumcrazy]

You should still fill it up to the full line.  When you install a deep pan there should be a spacer between the filter and valve body

[Ghoste]

Well, I do, but I was in a conversation where the topic of debate was windage loss in an automatic trans and someone claimed that some Super Stock cars run lower oil levels in the trans the same as engine oil to cut down on this loss.  I hadn't heard of it before but wondered if there are other people doing it.

[Jon Smith]

Super stock guys will check it every run and the trans will get rebuilt regularly
probably not a good idea for the street

[Ghoste]

Fair enough, but if the pump sucks air, wouldn't that slow progress more than trans windage??

[firefighter3931]

I've allways run mine to the full line with a deep pan. The deeper pan allows for more fluid capacity which means cooler trans temps.....that is the big advantage of the deeper sump. Why negate that advantage ? As John said there is allways the possibility that the pickup will become uncovered with a lower fluid level. I'm pretty sure windage is a non-issue for most street/strip guys.

Ron

[Ghoste]

Ron, do you know of anyone doing it for a regular strip car though?  It just sounds like a good way to wreck stuff to me even if you were tearing it down all the time.

[firefighter3931]

Ron, do you know of anyone doing it for a regular strip car though?  

Nope, everyone i know that has a dedicated track car fills it up to the full line. One buddy goes into panic mode when it reaches 1/2 litre down. This goes for all brands...Ford and GM included. Yep, some of my friends drive/race brand   "X" stuff  

Ron

[Ghoste]

Which is funny since the two guys who were absolutely certain this was common  "secret" are both staunch GM guys.  I was getting set to ask if it was a different situation for them.

[John_Kunkel]

Many GM and Fords have gaskets in the valve bodies and gaskets are available for the TF. Gaskets lessen the probability of sucking air.