Choosing The Right Pan For 4L60e

General Motors' 4L60E transmission has been used in cars and trucks since 1993. It is known for being put in performance vehicles such as the Chevrolet Corvettes and Pontiac Trans Ams. The 4L60E transmission pan comes in two styles: shallow and deep. The shallow pan is typically found on cars, while the deep pan is usually found on trucks and SUVs. The deep pan holds more fluid, which can be beneficial in extreme conditions such as drag racing, as it helps to keep the transmission cooler. To identify which pan you need, you can check the bottom of the transmission pan, measure the depth, look for any insignia, or compare the shape of the pan.

4L60E Shallow vs Deep Pan Characteristics

Shallow and deep pans have 16 bolt holes

Shallow and deep pans for the 4L60e transmission have 16 bolt holes. However, they differ in depth and shape. Shallow pans are commonly found on cars and have a uniform depth of 2 3/8 inches. On the other hand, deep pans are usually found on trucks and SUVs and have a stepped-down design, with a depth of 3 1/8 inches. This additional depth allows the deep pan to hold about one extra quart of fluid, improving heat dissipation.

The 4L60e transmission is one of the most popular transmissions, and it's important to know the differences between the shallow and deep pans to ensure you order the correct filter style. While both types of pans may have paint or drain plugs, the depth difference is crucial for selecting the right filter. The deep pan requires a filter with a larger body to accommodate its greater depth.

The change from shallow to deep pans was implemented in early 1997 for all OEM 4L60E transmissions. This modification allowed the transmission to hold more fluid, enhancing heat dissipation. However, it's worth noting that some 1997 models may still have the shallow pan, so it's best to inspect your oil pan before ordering a new filter.

When upgrading to a deep-style pan, it is crucial to use the appropriate filter designed for that specific pan. The deep pan filter has a larger body to accommodate the increased depth, ensuring proper filtration and optimal transmission performance.

In summary, while the shallow and deep pans for the 4L60e transmission share some similarities, such as the 16 bolt holes, they differ in depth and shape. The shallow pan is commonly found on cars and has a uniform depth, while the deep pan is typically used on trucks and SUVs, offering increased fluid capacity and improved heat dissipation.

Deep pans allow more fluid to be stored, keeping the transmission cooler

Deep pans for the 4L60E transmission allow more fluid to be stored and circulated, which helps to keep the transmission cooler. This is especially beneficial in extreme conditions such as drag racing, where keeping the transmission cool is essential to prevent damage. The extra fluid capacity of a deep pan can also be advantageous when towing heavy loads or driving in hot climates, as it helps to prevent transmission overheating, which is a common cause of transmission failure.

The 4L60E transmission is known for being used in performance vehicles such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Pontiac Trans Am. It has been used in both cars and trucks since 1993. The transmission pan is located on the bottom part of the transmission, which is in the centre of the vehicle's undercarriage. Shallow transmission pans were standard on 4L60E transmissions, while deep pans are typically found on trucks and SUVs.

The main difference between a shallow and a deep pan is the depth. Shallow pans have a uniform depth of 2 3/8", while deep pans are about 3 1/8" deep. This added depth allows the deep pan to hold about one extra quart of fluid. The increased fluid capacity of a deep pan can help to dissipate more heat, as there is more fluid to absorb and transfer the heat away from the transmission.

It is important to note that when switching to a deep pan, a corresponding filter designed for that pan must also be used. The deep pan filter has a larger body to accommodate the increased depth of the pan. Additionally, it is recommended to use aluminium pans as they dissipate heat faster than steel pans.

Overall, the use of a deep pan with increased fluid capacity can be an effective way to help keep the transmission cooler and prevent overheating, especially in extreme conditions or when the vehicle is subjected to heavy use.

Shallow pans are commonly found in cars, while deep pans are found in trucks and SUVs

The 4L60E transmission is one of the most popular transmissions, with a variety of aftermarket parts available. It is important to know whether your 4L60E transmission has a deep or shallow oil pan when ordering parts. While the two styles of oil pans may look very similar, there are some key differences to note.

You can identify whether you have a shallow or deep pan by inspecting your transmission oil pan. The shallow pan is flat on the bottom, while the deep pan has a noticeable step down of about half an inch or less. This step is located towards the rear of the truck, where the exhaust pipe crosses under the pan.

It is important to note that both shallow and deep pans may have painted or unpainted finishes, and they may or may not have drain plugs. Additionally, both styles have 16 bolt holes.

When replacing or upgrading your transmission pan, it is crucial to use the correct filter designed for your specific pan depth. The deep pan requires a larger filter body to accommodate its increased depth.

Shallow pans have a depth of 2 3/8, while deep pans are 3 1/8 deep

The 4L60E transmission is one of the most popular, with a wide aftermarket for parts. The 4L60E transmission pans come in two sizes: "shallow" and "deep". Shallow pans are typically found on cars, while deep pans are usually found on trucks and SUVs.

Shallow pans have a uniform depth of 2 3/8", while deep pans are 3 1/8" deep. This extra depth allows the deep pan to hold an additional quart of transmission fluid compared to the shallow pan. This makes the deep pan a common upgrade for vehicles with a factory-installed shallow pan.

The difference in depth between the two pans is due to the design of the deep pan, which has a stepped-down section on three-quarters of its bottom. This design change was introduced in early 1997 to allow the transmission to hold more fluid and dissipate more heat.

When switching from a shallow to a deep pan, it is important to use a filter designed for the deeper pan. The deep pan filter has a larger body to accommodate the increased depth.

Deep pans have a stepped-down design

The 4L60E transmission is one of the most popular transmissions, with a wide aftermarket for parts. It utilises two transmission pans from the factory: a "shallow" and a "deep" pan. The shallow pan has a depth of 2 3/8", while the deep pan is 3 1/8" deep. This added depth in the deep pan comes from a stepped-down design on the front of the pan, allowing it to hold about one extra quart of transmission fluid. This change was instituted for all OEM 4L60E transmissions in early 1997, but it is possible to find a 1997 model with either a shallow or deep oil pan.

The deep pan has a step down that covers 3/4 of the bottom of the pan, while the shallow pan is flat. This step is quite small, likely less than half an inch. The step is also necessary to give clearance for the exhaust pipe, which crosses under the pan.

The change in depth allowed the transmission to hold more fluid, dissipating more heat. However, due to the drop in depth of the pan, the pump intake had to reach deeper, and so the filter had to be changed. The deep filter has a thicker filter medium and a plastic spacer moulded into the plastic portion of the filter.

When making the switch from a shallow to a deep pan, it is important to use a filter designed for the deep pan. The deep pan filter has a larger filter body to accommodate the depth difference.

Frequently asked questions