Engine 4.6 Oil Pan Differences Gt, Mark Viii, Town Car

jruppert

Founding Member
Oct 20, 2001
294
1
19
Michigan
Hello,

I have a question about 4.6 oil pan differences between these cars. I am aware that the Mark VIII oil pan has a baffle attached to the side of the oil pan. Well, at least some of the years.

I have a 97 Mark VIII parts car that I bought to use for an AC Cobra project that I am working on. I was told by previous owner that the pan was replaced and used an oil pan from a Town Car. I have to assume these are the same as Crown Vic as well. So I got under there the other day to look around and have compared what I saw to Crown Vic pans online.

So is there much difference in oil capacity between the Town Car and GT/Cobra? I will probably want to retain the low oil sensor that was used in the Mark. Not sure if this pan has provisions for it.

My biggest concern is the pick up and dipstick. If the pan was changed to a Crown Vic/Town Car setup, would the pickup be different? Would the dipstick be different?

If I need to swap to a GT pan then that is fine. Just need to know if its necessary. As for clearance, the frame that I am working with has plenty of room.

Thanks
 
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Think about it. The dipstick is the same because it's the level below the rotating crank that matters.

In direct answer to your question. The Mustang oil pan has a slightly larger capacity (+1 quart).

In my case when I swaped in the Crown Vic Romeo into my 2000 GT, I re-used the Mustang Oil pan.

Regardless of which oil pan is used, it's a good idea to CONFIRM that the clearance between the oil pick up and the bottom of the pan is correct.
 
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I guess my thoughts were if a smaller pan was used then it would make the dipstick appear like it has 6 qts when in fact it might only have 5 qts. But maybe I am looking at it wrong. I have never torn apart a 4.6 so that is why I wondered about the pick up. Thanks
 
Is this motor going in a factory five cobra replica? If so, be aware that you need an aftermarket pan which is shallower. Otherwise, the stock pan hangs below the frame and that's just asking for trouble. I, wouldn't be surprised if this is true for other manufacturers too.
I am building a factory five mk4 with the coyote and had to get a shallower pan as well.
 
Right, it sounds like the pan won't interfere with the frame, but will it hang below the frame? If the oil pan hangs below the frame, it is likely to be torn up by road debris, rocks, ect and could lead to catastrophic engine failure if it gets torn/damaged. Just something to check and be aware there are shallow pans out there for the modular engine.
 
Thats a good point.. I have yet to set the motor into the frame. Still working on getting the engine out of the mark viii. After that, I will need to come up with some motor mounts. I wonder if I should look into putting a shield in front of the pan.