Differential covers - GT500 pp cover vs aftermarket

[Totalpkg]

The GT500 pp cover which is aluminum finned better than an FRPP aluminum cover with load bolts/bearing cap protection? Reason I'm asking is the orginal one better for cooling? The FRPP one boast more fluid cooling capacity, but I would tend to think Ford put a finned diff cover on for a reason. Thanks.

 

[Catmonkey]

I think they're intended for different purposes. The finned cover is more road track oriented, while the Ford Performance cover is intended for more beef with drag strip type launches. The Ford Performance cover has been around a long time. I ran one over 20 years ago. The finned cover debuted with the 2011 GT500.

 

[HillbillyHotRod]

Don't get one that is cracked.

 

[96gt02]

Also watch out for the stock 11/12 GT500 diff covers as they are finned designed but dont come with the drain and fill holes in them, only the 13/14 do so servicing is more of a pain

 

[Robert M]

Also be aware that the FRPP 8.8 girdle/cover comes in two variations, the G1 and the G2. The taller FRPP G1 is like the Shelby girdle shown below, it is taller than oem, holds extra fluid for additional cooling and has the load bolts, but it does require a panhard bar relocation bracket because of it's height..............






The FRPP G2 does not require a panhard bar relocation and is closer to oem height, but also does not have as large a fluid capacity.

Another cool cover that is a girdle/cover and does not require panhard relocation is the Scott Drake cover that Shelby sold for a couple of years..........

If you decide to stay with your original plan with the 2011-up finned cover, there is a hole up top for a vent. Shown below is an original Ford "rattle" vent, but there is also a "bulb" type vent that is available from Ford.....





and then there is also the GT500KR cover that has some additional rigidity built into it along with some fins along with the fill and drain capabilities.....

^^^^Last picture showing the KR cover and KR axle reservoir.

R

 

[merkyworks]

You can always drill and tap a 11-12 finned cover to gain oil cooler/drain ports. Which as far as I know would make it a 13-14 cover.

Before I switched to a Cortex watts link which requires a new diff cover, I drilled and 1/4" NPT tapped the bottom casting boss for a drain on my factory finned cover. Didn't worry about tapping the top casting boss for a fill cause I used the 1/8" NPT vent port for this.

Edit: One thing to add, if you go with a diff cover that has bolts to preload diff caps your probably going to pick up some NVH. Typically not a big deal but just something to keep in mind.

 

[Robert M]

double post

 

[Robert M]

double post

R

 

[96gt02]

watch out for those flat back diff covers unless you like aeration

 

[Robert M]

watch out for those flat back diff covers unless you like aeration

I have never heard of any 2008/09 GT500KR owners mention "aeration" with their Shelby installed KR specific Black covers, even the guys who track their cars over on Team Shelby? or for that matter the oem stamped steel cover that is also Black from the factory? or the oem 2011-up complete 8.8 diff. housings, brake to brake, not including the finned cover that are Black from the factory?

R

 

[01yellercobra]

I have never heard of any 2008/09 GT500KR owners mention "aeration" with their Shelby installed KR specific Black covers, even the guys who track their cars over on Team Shelby? or for that matter the oem stamped steel cover that is also Black from the factory? or the oem 2011-up complete 8.8 diff. housings, brake to brake, not including the finned cover that are Black from the factory?

R

He said "back" not "black". The flat design doesn't allow the fluid to move like it needs to up the cover and into the feed hole for the pinion bearing. Had a discussion with a friend that's an engineer about this.

 

[SCGallo2]

M-4033-G2 low profile diff cover, no panhard bar relocation bracket required. Originally installed it for street/strip use.

 

[96gt02]

Yes flat back not black lol, here are some perfect examples showing whats going on with each design.

 

[Robert M]

He said "back" not "black". The flat design doesn't allow the fluid to move like it needs to up the cover and into the feed hole for the pinion bearing. Had a discussion with a friend that's an engineer about this.

Oh, I did miss that. Big difference in "Back" and "Black".

So let me check out the video.......

R

 

[Robert M]

Yes flat back not black lol, here are some perfect examples showing whats going on with each design.

^^^^Thank You............and yes, a Huge difference in "Back" and "Black".

I had not seen that demonstration, but it def. shows how the cover curvature is designed into the lubrication of the diff. gears and bearings.

I will remove the two pictures of the flat back cover, so it does not lead anyone down the wrong path.

R

 

[Robert M]

M-4033-G2 low profile diff cover, no panhard bar relocation bracket required. Originally installed it for street/strip use.

View attachment 1585070

I like that FRPP G2 cover, but also notice the fill hole and it's position in relation to the axle tubes. That hole is to be used for filling only and the level/sight is still the front drivers side plug in the housing which is lower than the upper plug on that cover. There have been a couple of owners who use that upper hole on the cover as the "fill to" level only to find their gear lube coming out of the axle tube vent, making a mess under the car, and then asking "why"?

R

 

[Robert M]

and for what it's worth.........the inside of the SVTPP finned cover.........

R

 

[96gt02]

Yeah its pretty crazy how much that curve affects the way the rear gets lubed, but it does make sense which is why I would only run that style in anything.

 

[Robert M]

Yeah its pretty crazy how much that curve affects the way the rear gets lubed, but it does make sense which is why I would only run that style in anything.

Not knowing the info. in that video, I "had" one of those mag-hytec covers on a list for future purchase, not a priority, but something to buy when there was a spare $200+ laying around............It was nice to cross something off the list!!!

R

 

[fullboogie]

Great info in this thread.