I made this stainless
oil pan girdle up for the big 496 as there where a few small
oil leaks, Job well done on the install David.
The following is from David.
My original iron block had an Aviaid pan on it for 20 years. Multiple rebuilds on that block, and multiple new gaskets. Always leaked.
New Pond aluminum block with new Aviaid pan. There were multiple leaks around the pan, a bit more leaking occurred at the rear of pan.
The photos taken today show the
oil pan after driving about 180 miles since the installation of the girdle. 130 of those miles were in Arkansas while cruising through the Ozark Mountains last week. There were quite a few runs above 6,000 rpm. There is zero indication of oil leaking anywhere around the pan. The frame of my car has never been this oil-free. Prior to installing the girdle, a 20 mile drive would leave multiple oil drips on the frame.
I feel the Aviaid pan's flange isn't sufficiently rigid to provide uniform clamping of the pan, 2 gaskets and 1 windage tray.