May seem like a dumb question, but I just got done putting together my 904 the other day to go into the car, and was bolting on the aluminum ribbed deep pan that I got from summit (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sme-1010r) and noticed that the bolts it provides are a PITA! They are for some reason 12 point 8mm (yes, I tried 12pt standard size sockets and nothing fit, and to top it off, three bolts on the pan rail facing the tail shaft I cannot even get a socket or wrench around because they are so darn close.

Unless I have this thing on wrong (which is real hard to do I would imagine), I am thinking that maybe different bolts would be the answer? All the other bolts go in fine, but the oddball size to get the pan on and off and the three bolts that are just not working for me have me thinking maybe an allen headed bolt? but not even sure if that will fit.

Any input from guys who have used these things before would be greatly appreciated...thanks!

Matthew

I used the bolts supplied, I forget the size, 5/16 head maybe?

They worked fine for me. 6 point head would make clearance worse. Allen head would work but i'm not a fan.

11/32 is my next guess then haha. I no longer own the trans so i can't go verify.

the are 5/16...12 point ...not sure of the 12 point...but they are 5/16...got 3 of those pans in use...and yes..unless you got the little socket..it is a pia..

I went to sears and bought a couple of those sockets...lol

I used a set of 12 SB header bolts for the no name deep cast alum pan I have on my 727.

they are long enuff and used a 7/16" socket on them. the small head is nice on the deep cast pan I have.

I also started using the header bolts when going with the newer style pan gasket/stock pan from the dealer.

stock bolts grab/strip about 1/2 the hole. so the header bolt will reach the other 1/2 in a pinch on a bad hole.

I used stock pan bolts on the steel deep pan I just got. but I used a thin rubber gasket. next R&R it gets header bolts and a new style gasket.

Thanks for the input everyone! I am going to get the trans back up on the bench and see what I can figure out...Really didn't think I would have to fight with this pan the way I did, but we all know nothing ever goes smoothly in a build (atleast not for me it doesnt)

I use the 5/16 twelve point socket as well.

Go to Crappy tire and buy some allen head bolts.