KEEPSAKE CAMARO
March 18, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
34 Expert Restoration Tips for Classic Car Enthusiasts
Every detail matters when it comes to restoring or customizing a vehicle. Whether you’re smoothing out seams, fine-tuning trim, or upgrading outdated systems, the right techniques can make the difference between a show-stopping build and a project that falls flat. We’ve compiled 34 expert tips to help you refine your restoration skills, sourced directly from the pros at Jeff Lilly Restorations. Dive in and discover actionable advice that will streamline your workflow, enhance your results, and help you achieve the classic car of your dreams.
ENGINE BAY PREP AND PAINT
We learned that Underground Motorsports in Little Rock, Arkansas, was going to build one fast daily driver, so we thought we’d take a peek and drop some knowledge for you. We were looking for any tech procedures that may illustrate for readers how a car of this sort is built from scratch.
Full Throttle Glory
Alright, let’s take look back at the Holley LS Fest West 2024 Autocross event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It was a wild ride, with LS-powered machines tearing up the asphalt, from vintage muscle to modern speed demons, all vying for glory in a whirlwind of horsepower and adrenaline.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Dieselsite Deep Transmission Pan and Filter
For the Powerstroke E4OD / 4R100 / 5R110
At The Auto Builder, we’re always on the lookout for products made by real enthusiasts—folks who don’t just sell parts, they live them. That’s why we like the team at DIESELSITE. They don’t just talk the talk—they walk the walk. These guys live and breathe diesel, and they know firsthand the problems truck owners face. They take a hard look at factory OEM designs and make them better. Period.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Product Images Courtesy of Dieselsite
What’s in the Box: Deep Cast Aluminum Transmission Pan, Gasket, Full Hardware Kit, Upgraded Late 5R110 Transmission Filter
The DIESELSITE Deep Transmission Oil Pan is a prime example of that mindset. After running several aftermarket pans on their own Legendary and Hercules transmissions, the folks at DIESELSITE wanted more—more strength, better filtration, smarter engineering—and they built exactly that.
Made from heavy-duty 356T6 cast aluminum, this pan isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an evolution. Built to protect your transmission under the toughest conditions, whether you’re hauling heavy or chasing horsepower.
Why It Matters
Unlike standard pans, this one features a reinforced, thickened flange that acts as a structural girdle. Translation: it helps prevent case twisting during high-torque abuse. Plus, with stud and flanged nut fasteners, installation is a breeze and rock-solid reliable. And because DIESELSITE knows these transmissions inside and out, they spec’d it with the late 5R110 transmission filter for maximum filtration.
Features You Actually Want:
- Increased Flange Thickness: Adds strength, prevents flex.
- Stud and Flanged Nut Fasteners: Better clamp load, easier install.
- Deep Sump: Adds about 5 extra quarts of fluid for better cooling.
- Upgraded 5R110 Filter: Cleaner fluid, longer life.
- Magnetic Drain Plug: Catches metal shavings before they become a problem.
- Temperature Sensor Port: Ready for gauges to keep tabs on temps.
The Real Benefits:
- Stronger Transmission Case: Reduces risk of catastrophic failure.
- Cooler Temps, Longer Life: More fluid = more thermal control.
- Cleaner, Protected Fluid: With filtration and magnetic drain.
- Ready to Monitor: Gage port built in.
- Smart Install: Studs provide full thread engagement for maximum clamping force.
- Filter Replacement Part Number: Ford 8C3Z-7A098-D (conveniently etched into the pan for reference)
Vehicle Fitment:
The DIESELSITE E4OD/4R100/5R110 Transmission Pan and Filter (E4R5RPAN) fits the following Ford Powerstroke diesel vehicles equipped with E4OD, 4R100, or 5R110 transmissions:
Ford F-Series Trucks
Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 (1989–1998)
• 7.3L IDI Diesel (1989–1994, E4OD only)
• 7.3L Powerstroke (1994–1998)
Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 Super Duty (1999–2010)
• 7.3L Powerstroke (1999–2003)
• 6.0L Powerstroke (2003–2007)
• 6.4L Powerstroke (2008–2010)
Ford Excursion (2000–2005)
• 7.3L Powerstroke (2000–2003)
• 6.0L Powerstroke (2003–2005)
Ford E-Series Vans (E-250 / E-350 / E-450) (1989–2010)
• 7.3L IDI Diesel (1989–1994, E4OD only)
• 7.3L Powerstroke (1994–2003)
• 6.0L Powerstroke (2004–2010)
Bottom line
If you’re serious about protecting your transmission, this is one of those upgrades that just makes sense. That’s how DIESELSITE does it—they don’t cut corners, they build solutions. And that’s why we keep an eye on what they do here at The Auto Builder.
CLICK HERE to head on over to Dieselsite and get yours TODAY!
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