PML GM 6L50 Stock Capacity Transmission Pan

Description

Volume: stock capacity

Dimensions: Click here for dimensions.

Number of Bolts: 17 bolts (there are 19 holes, 2 holes locate the gasket and 17 holes for bolts to hold the pan to the transmission case)

Benefits:

Finned to increase surface area for heat dissipation
Drain and magnetic drain plug
Thick walls and gasket flange
Sand cast aluminum construction
Slightly deeper than stock to maintain ground clearance for low profile vehicles such as cars, lowered trucks, and trucks with some skid plates

Stock Pan

There are a couple stock pans for the 6L50 transmission. PML designed this pan to be a replacement for this GM stock pan (click on image to view larger):

Although this is a stock capacity pan, this PML pan is about 3/4 inch deeper than stock. The extra depth is from the thick wall construction and fins.

Skid Plates and Off Roading

Off roading vehicles should protect the transmission pan with a skid plate. PML pans are aluminum, which is great for heat dissipation but will not withstand contact with a rock.

Check the distance between the top of the skid plate and the bottom of the stock pan. This PML pan is about 3/4 inch deeper than the stock pan and there needs to be space between the pan and skid plate.

Extra Capacity Deep 6L50 Transmission Pan

See GM 6L50 Deep Transmission Pan, PML Part Number 11150.

Applications

The GM 6L50 transmission is found on models of Camaro, Cadillacs, Caprice, and 2015 and newer Canyon and Colorado trucks. This pan may fit configurations of these vehicles with the 6L50 transmission:

2009 to 2015 Camaro 3.6
Cadillac CTS, SLS, STS
Vehicles with the 6L45 transmission (such as Caprice)
Canyon and Colorado trucks and SUVs needing ground clearance, such as those with skid plates

Always check your vehicle to verify transmission and clearance. Configurations vary.

PML also makes a large, extra capacity 6L50 transmission pan.

Installations

2019 Colorado

Eli installed this pan on his 2019 Colorado Diesel ZR2 4WD. The truck has the factory skid plate, which does not cover the transmission pan. He used 6 quarts of fluid and is debating adding a bit more. He is seeing 2 to 4 degree temperature drops.

2019 Colorado Diesel ZR2 Stock Pan PML Stock Capacity Pan Compared To Stock Pan PML Stock Capacity Pan Installed
Click on image to view larger in a new tab or window.

2017 Colorado Diesel 4WD With Skid Plate

Arthur installed this pan on his 2017 Chevy Colorado z71 Duramax with full AEV skid protection. He put in 7.5 qts of fluid (amsoil synthetic). This pan has 1 to 2 inches of clearance between the pan and the skid protection bars.

He uses a Banks data monster to monitor fluid temperatures. In the winter on the highway, average temperature is between 120-133. In stop and go city traffic temperatures climb to 140 to 160 degrees and the temperature drops quickly once on the highway.

2017 Colorado Diesel 4WD PML pan installed Plenty of clearance at rear of PML 6L50 pan PML 6L50 pan and AEV skid protection
Click on image to view larger in a new tab or window.

2017 Colorado Diesel ZR2 4WD

Joshua reported that installation was straightforward. He used a spray pump to put fluid in. Factory skid plate does not cover transmission pan.

He has noticed slightly lower temperatures. With the stock pan, he would see 201 to 216 F. Now he sees 191 to 198 F for the same mountain drive.

PML fluid level test PML and stock pan stock pan PML pan on 2017 Colorado
Click on image to view larger in a new tab or window.

Specifications

Fill and Level Check

On the stock pan, we've heard that the fill is actually a hole in the main casing, on the passenger side, that is plugged with a rubber plug (no dip stick or fill tube) and the fluid level is checked by removing a bolt that looks like a drain at the rear of the pan while the transmission is operating at temperature. If no overflow occurs, the transmission needs fluid. Check your owners manual for the procedure for your vehicle.

The fluid level would be checked the same way with a PML pan as with the stock pan. This PML pan has a level check at the same location relative to the transmission as the stock pan.

Fluid level checks, click to view larger image Click on image to view larger.

Drain and Optional Temperature Sending Unit Machining

This PML transmission pan has a drain on the driver side. A magnetic drain plug is included.

Optionally, this pan can be drilled and tapped for a temperature sending unit. The standard specification is 1/8 NPT. The location is the boss on the passenger side of the pan. There is a machining charge. Select this option when purchasing the pan.

Drain, Driver/Left side of PML pan Passenger side of pan, boss for optional temperature sending unit machining Click on image to view larger.

Stock Pans

PML knows about two OEM stock pans for the GM 6L50 transmission. The PML pans are based on the pan on the right in this image, the pan that looks dirty and used.

Stock GM 6L50 Transmission Pans, Click To View Larger Image

One stock pan has heights of 3.3 inches at the front of the pan and 2.5 at the rear and the bottom flat part is 10.25 inches.
The other stock pan (dirty/used in pictures) is 3.1 inches in height and the bottom flat part is about 9 inches and PML 6L50 pans are based on this one.

PML 6L50 transmission pans are based on the pan on the right in this image. This OEM pan is 3.1 inches deep and found on many Colorado/Canyon trucks and GM/Chevy cars.

Stock GM 6L50 Transmission Pans, PML pan based on pan on right, the dirty one. Click To View Larger Image Click on image to view larger.