In the center of the photo at right we see a red transaxle vent hose. At one point during driving tests, differential lubricant blew up through the vent. Concerned, Rick Investigated and discovered he had overfilled the transaxle. Adjusting it to the correct level fixed the problem.

Also visible is the black transaxle dipstick tube, which exits the transaxle behind the half-shaft U-joint. Earlier clearance problems in this area were overcome.

Remote oil filter

The relationship between the location of the Crown conversion sub frame and the stock small-block Chevy oil filter makes it impossible to get a filter wrench onto the filter. This problem was solved by using a remote filter pad with Earl's hoses, AN fittings, and a Ford style filter element. The new location is much more accessible.

The standard Chevy small-block filter mount incorporates a pressure relief valve that causes engine oil to bypass the filter element immediately after cold startup. By using a bypass relief valve plug and adapter at the stock filter housing and the Ford style filter, a full-flow system was achieved, resulting in the engine oil being filtered under all operating conditions.

As you will see in the picture below, the relocated filter is in a protected location with ample ground clearance. It is not likely the make contact with anything that might damage it.

Another plus: the filter pad has fittings for an oil cooler, a possible future addition to the Corv-8.

Ground clearance

You can easily see that the car has been lowered considerably by the angle of the half-shafts and the small stainless strut rods at the front of the trailing arms. The oil pan and the Crown lower bracket are the low points at about 3-inches from the ground. Rick has "dinged" the oil pan a couple of times and plans to shorten it and add a skid plate. If that doesn't do the trick, there's always the dry sump oiling system option!