History BBC finned aluminum oil pans

I'm hunting for one, to go with my Big Block Cal Custom valve covers. Looking at reviews, it seems the chinese one that Summit and Amazon carry is pretty awful fitting, but I haven't had it in my hands. So I've been searching the web for an oldie. Trouble is, I don't know who made them? Cal Custom? Eelco? I don't like the Mercury Marine one so much, kinda weird shaped. Any insight?

 

I belive your correct that Cal Custom, and perhaps Elco made cast aluminum oil pans. You didn't mention what chassis. I have a collection of cast pans, mostly marine, but they hang on the wall. Cast pans shatter when hit. A protection plate helps, but they typically only protect a portion of the bottom. Depending on the chassis, the Mercury marine pans have some advantage with the elongated sump area. The pans are very good quality, have good baffling, and a good windage tray. I know you mentioned you were not attracted to the Mercury pan. But if it fits your chassis, it would be a good choice if you are really set on wanting a cast pan. Bead blast with used glass beads and spray with some Gibbs.

 

I think the other thing to think about is that every one that I've seen as of late have no windage trays, no baffles, etc.. If you like to flog the thing a bit - having some oil control isn't a bad thing.

 

Lets call it a T-bucket. Plenty of room for sump.

 

Since you said "plenty of room for sump", some big block powered boats had finned aluminum oil pans...in fact, I've got one somewhere.

 

I've got one of those cast marine pans I plan on polishing one day for a wall hanger.

 

If mercury pans are shallower , do they have a special oil pump ?

 

I had one of those from Summit years ago, did not fit well at all and leaked . Don't bother trying one of those.

 

Baffles , windage trays & crank scrapers can be added attached to main studs & pan rail , not mandatory to be integral to the pan ..

 

Perhaps the term shallower was misleading. The Mercury marine pans take a standard depth pump. The sump is elongated and relative to the front portion and have a bit more capacity.

 

Mercury marine cast pan showing internal cast baffles and conventional windage tray.

 

Here's another Marine one. And it's available! Stout enough to serve as a girdle.
P.M. me if interested.