Eddie Rios of Muscle Motors...
Eddie Rios of Muscle Motors puts the final tighten-down (10 lb-ft of torque) on the ARP bolts that are included with Performance Automatic's new fluid pan for the 6R80 six-speed automatic transmissions in '11-'12 Mustangs.
We've been saying for quite some time that on a pound-for-pound level, Coyote 5.0-powered '11-'12 Mustang GTs are the best standard-issue 'Stangs to roll off Ford's assembly line.
Seriously, it doesn't matter whether you're old school or just coming on the scene, today's GTs are Mustangs that none of us would ever turn down. Yes, from a production standpoint, all performance and appearance bases on '11-'12s are totally covered, and much better than they were on V-8 Mustangs of earlier platforms.
Thus far, the lion's share of '11-'12 Mustang GT upgrades we've presented in Tech Inspection have centered on improving the cars' driving performance through such parts as cold-air-induction systems and replacement shifters for the Getrag MT-82 manual transmissions. The manually shifted six-speed is by far the most popular gearbox for the new 5.0s. However, tests and seat time in automatic 'Stangs prove Ford's 6R80 auto trans doesn't give up much, except manual shifts--not even on the dyno.
Transmission pan swaps are...
Transmission pan swaps are best accomplished with a Mustang securely perched on a twin-post hoist. However, for those who don't have that luxury, make sure you're able to raise the car high enough to fully drain the OEM pan. Eddie clears the fluid in stages, keeping the pan partially attached while tilting the dislodged end over a drain pan.
In our tests with the '05-'10 4.6-liter Mustang GTs featuring 5R55S automatics, we learned that adding a higher-stall torque converter is a can't-miss driveline upgrade that works wonders at getting heavy S197s to accelerate quickly from a dead stop. With '11-'12 'Stangs not any lighter than their predecessors, this theory also holds true for new Ponies equipped with the 6R80 unit.
Muscle Motors' (Chatsworth, California) recent converter change on the shop's '12 GT (Technician Eddie Rios installed Circle D's 3,500 stall unit) was finished up with an installation of this month's featured part, Performance Automatic's new deep aluminum 6R80 transmission pan and dipstick/filler tube kit (PN PA68402; $379) for '11-'12 Mustangs.
Although it sits in a 'Stang's underbelly and won't be seen unless your Pony pulls massive wheelstands, PA's new pan is a super-clean cast-aluminum piece that increases fluid capacity by 3 quarts, and actually adds strength and structural integrity to 6R80 transmissions. The upgrade is complemented by a slick locking dipstick setup that makes checking levels and adding fluid a lot easier for Mustangs that undergo converter swaps or other transmission surgery.
Read on through the photos and captions detailing the pan swap and installation of the locking dipstick. DIY-capable enthusiasts can complete the entire operation in about two hours, and provided you can raise the car high enough to remove the stock transmission pan without creating a huge mess, basic handtools are all that's necessary.
PA's new deep aluminum 6R80...
PA's new deep aluminum 6R80 transmission pan and dipstick/filler tube (PN PA68402; $379) is comprised of the few pieces shown here, with the exception of the metal pan gasket. The pan features cooling fins that help dissipate heat and increase the efficiency of the transmission and torque converter.
After transferring the transmission's...
After transferring the transmission's OEM fill-plug O-ring onto PA's aluminum adapter sleeve (included) and then securing the sleeve in the transmission case, Eddie passes the dipstick tube up into the engine compartment from the bottom of the car. The filler tube, which also has O-rings (that must be lubed), is then pressed into the adapter sleeve until the O-rings are securely locked in place.
The PA pan also features a...
The PA pan also features a drain plug, which makes future services much easier and greatly reduces the potential for making a hazardous mess.
PA's cast-aluminum pan holds...
PA's cast-aluminum pan holds 7 quarts of transmission fluid and is a direct replacement for the factory pan. Before setting the new pan in place, Eddie places the magnet from the original pan in the deepest part of the PA piece, and thoroughly cleans the OEM gasket, as it is reused.
The 6R80's factory transmission...
The 6R80's factory transmission pan actually does have a service fitting with a short dipstick like this one, but does not utilize a filler tube. PA's dipstick/filler tube brings traditional, old-school, transmission-service technology to the six-speed box, which definitely is necessary when transmissions are upgraded with higher-stall torque converters or internal mods that require diligent monitoring of fluid levels.
The dipstick tube includes...
The dipstick tube includes a small bracket, which we found to be a bit challenging to mount cleanly against the 'Stang's firewall. Using a piece of scrap stainless steel (aluminum will work fine if you don't have stainless), Eddie fabricated a bracket for the PA bracket, creating a mount for the dipstick that is secure and within easy reach for checking or adding transmission fluid. PA recommends adding 6 quarts of Motorcraft LV automatic trans fluid before starting the engine. When the fluid is warmed, the correct level should be at the bottom/lower half of the hash marks on the dipstick.