B-Series Bullseye: Part II
July 16, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
NOPI LIVE 2003
NOPI, NOPI, NOPI … that was all I heard in August. Everyone I spoke to was getting ready for the NOPI Nationals in Atlanta. Whether I was talking to a manufacturer, builder or enthusiast, I got the same response: “… getting ready for the NOPI Nats.”
Cornering Camaro
Chris German knows his way around a Camaro. He currently owns two—the car you see here and a ’69 Pace Car. He’s owned six more of them in the past, and he’s built 10 of them at American Muscle, his shop in Cleveland, Tennessee. When he came across this car, it was in great shape. It had been the focus of a restoration about 20 years ago, and German says he probably could have started and driven the car with almost no effort at all. But the Camaro wasn’t the way he wanted it. He wasn’t after a restoration or a drag-style car. His Camaro would have to be able to handle the corners well, and he wanted to be able to autocross it at Goodguys shows, and autocross it well.
LS1 CAM SWAP AND DYNO TEST
When it comes to adding power to your small-block Chevy, the camshaft is an integral part of the performance equation. Luckily for owners of Chevy’s latest iteration (Gen III) of the famous small block, the modern fuel-injected LS1 responds just as well to camshaft upgrades as the LT1s, L79s and L48s of old. Naturally, cam technology has come a long way since the days of the Duntov 30-30 profile. The improvements in cam technology are important, as the new LS1 is head and shoulders above any of the old ’60s and ’70s muscle-car small blocks, regardless of the advertised power ratings.
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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