UPDATE: Pans are all going in the CNC again today for a quick change.

I am changing the oil drain plug threads from m12x1.25 to 9/16-18, which is also -6AN, which is of course a very popular thread.

Due to this change, I will be providing a new oil drain plug with all the pans.

Why did I make this change? The Nissan M12x1.25 did not pass my torque cycle testing. Its a very fine pitch thread for a M12, making it relatively weak. Having used aluminum pans with stock threads on the VQ before, I know how crappy the threads can get after a few oil changes. I originally thought that the higher quality billet aluminum would take this in stride, but I was wrong. Nissan intended this thread size for a steel pan, and thats just where it belongs.

Torque cycle testing was performed by soaking the threads and drain plug in oil, torquing, loosening, reapplying oil, repeat. Having oil on the washer surfaces and threads increases thread load tremendously.

Luckily, the washer pad on the oil pans was made just large enough diameter to accomodate -6 washers. So I am now running the pans through again and upgrading the threads for the drain plugs.

Moving forward, I am hoping to start cutting the oil pump pickup extensions tomorrow. I am also expecting the special cutter for the -10ORB ports to show up in the next day or two.

is there any magnetic drain plug that fits this?

I havent seen anything like that, 9/16x18 or -6an arent typical production vehicle drain plug threads, AN fittings are more aftermarket/racing type hardware.

If people want something like that, it wouldnt be difficult for us to machine a bore into some -6 plugs and press a magnet in. Should be pretty inexpensive to accomplish.

Perhaps a helicoil would work if you haven't already changed the threads.

CJM Oil Pan Prototype
 

A magnetic plug would be awesome

Agree - i like my current magnetic plug - seems like a no brainer cheap thing to do.

I hate to be a debbie downer, but I think I want to sell mine. If anyone wants it, let me know. I'm still buying it, because I committed to it, but I am open to selling. Want to start saving for a v8 swap instead

PM Galeforce. I think he mentioned he should have gotten in on it. Neverbonestock was wanting one too.

I would jump on this but I have to wait. I just had a new partial sponsorship come up that's sucking a few dollars from me.

Thanks for thinking of me Jwick :tiphat:

Ok magnetic oil drain lovers, I got you.

I'll even one-up the game. My research has found that those neodymium magnets lose lots of strength over 170 degrees but come back when cooled down (as long as they were *too* overheated), so you wouldn't really notice. I've got some special higher temp pieces on the way that won't lose strength until 300 degrees.

If I can't ream and press them into existing 6an plugs I have, I'll have a buddy make me custom plugs on his turning center.

The standard issue drain plugs are in! They are slick... they shaved 0.200" of height from the stock plug, thats almost 1/4" improved ground clearance versus the stock plug.

it uses a 19mm wrench and I will include some slick bonded o-ring washers that are good for several uses each.

A nice benefit to it is that it is steel, so if I use the same plug for the magnetic version, it wont take as much fuss to make sure the magnet could never fall out since it will naturally stay in it anyway.

The reamer for the oil drain side ports was shipped today. The bolts for the oil pickup spacers came in today. I am on track to begin shipping these next week.

CJM Oil Pan Prototype
 

Dumb question but we aren't going to have any dissimilar metal expansion issues between the pan and the plug are we?

Cool, that is real close to an original early Z drain plug. Awesome. I can't remember if it was 17mm or 19mm. It has been a while since I have seen one.

Steel and aluminum definitely have different expansion rates, but your entire engine is aluminum with steel bolts :)

CJM Oil Pan Prototype
 

Just checking. I've done enough radiator installs because of a busted off vent plug because of dissimilar metals to last for a couple lifetimes :rofl2: