Fully Fabricated Aluminum Construction
Rather than using a conventional stamped-steel design, Moroso manufactures the 42001 from fully fabricated aluminum.
The aluminum construction provides a rigid transmission-pan assembly while also giving the underside of a performance build a clean, competition-oriented appearance.
More importantly, Moroso uses a one-piece billet aluminum mounting rail. The rail is CNC machined after the pan is welded to improve flatness and provide more consistent fitment against the transmission case.
That matters because transmission-pan sealing depends heavily on having a flat, stable mounting surface.
CNC-Machined Billet Pan Rail
A leaking Powerglide pan can turn the underside of an otherwise clean build into an automatic-transmission-fluid crime scene.
Moroso addresses one common source of sealing problems with its substantial one-piece billet rail. After fabrication and welding, the mounting rail is CNC machined for flatness.
The result is a more rigid sealing surface than you’d typically find on a thin stamped transmission pan.
For builders who regularly remove the transmission pan for inspection or service, that additional rigidity is particularly useful.
Magnetic Drain Plug
The Moroso 42001 incorporates a magnetic -8AN drain plug, giving you a convenient way to drain transmission fluid without removing the entire pan.
The magnetic plug also provides an additional inspection point by attracting ferrous metallic particles circulating in the transmission fluid.
A small amount of fine metallic material can occur during normal transmission operation, particularly in a competition application. Unusual amounts of material on the magnet, however, can provide an early warning that something inside the transmission deserves attention.
That makes the drain plug more than a convenience—it can become part of your normal Powerglide inspection routine.
Additional 1/4-Inch NPT Port
Moroso also equips the 42001 with a 1/4-inch NPT port alongside the drain fitting.
Depending on the transmission configuration and build requirements, an additional threaded port can simplify plumbing or monitoring requirements without requiring the builder to start drilling holes into a brand-new transmission pan.
That is a welcome feature because “I’ll just drill and tap it myself” has introduced many perfectly good automotive parts to very bad afternoons.
Serrated-Flange Mounting Hardware
Moroso supplies the pan with serrated-flange hex bolts, providing the appropriate hardware for installation.
The fabricated construction, machined billet rail and included hardware make the 42001 a more complete performance upgrade than simply replacing the stock pan with another stamped-steel component.
Recommended Powerglide Filter
Moroso recommends the Fram FT1017 transmission filter or equivalent for the 42001 Powerglide pan.
Importantly, Moroso’s current transmission-pan application chart lists the shallow 42001 as not requiring an included filter spacer.
This distinguishes it from the deeper Moroso 42000 Powerglide pan, which is 3.080 inches deep and does use a filter spacer.
Always verify the filter configuration and transmission setup before final installation.
Moroso 42001 vs Moroso 42000
Choosing between the two Moroso Powerglide pans largely comes down to the intended vehicle and available clearance.
The Moroso 42001 is the shallow option at approximately 1.830 inches deep. It’s better suited to applications where maintaining ground clearance is important.
The Moroso 42000 is substantially deeper at 3.080 inches and is designed around a different sump configuration that requires a filter spacer.
For a low street car or drag car where clearance underneath the transmission is at a premium, the 42001 is generally the more logical design.
Moroso 42001 Features
- Moroso part number 42001
- Designed for GM Powerglide automatic transmissions
- Shallow 1.830-inch pan depth
- Fully fabricated aluminum construction
- Natural aluminum finish
- One-piece billet mounting rail
- CNC-machined rail after welding
- Magnetic -8AN drain plug
- Additional 1/4-inch NPT port
- Serrated-flange hex mounting bolts included
- Recommended Fram FT1017 transmission filter or equivalent
- Designed for performance street and racing applications
- Shallow configuration helps preserve ground clearance
Installation Considerations
Before installing the Moroso 42001, inspect the transmission’s pan mounting surface carefully and remove all traces of the old gasket material without damaging the transmission case.
The mating surface should be clean and flat before the new pan and gasket are installed.
Moroso lists its 93100 Perm-Align Transmission Pan Gasket as the corresponding gasket for the Powerglide application.
Once installed, refill the transmission with the appropriate automatic transmission fluid and verify the level according to the transmission and vehicle’s normal checking procedure. Don’t assume the amount of fluid removed is automatically the correct refill quantity.
After the first heat cycle, inspect the pan rail, fittings and drain plug for signs of leakage.
A Good Match for Traditional Pro Street Builds
The Powerglide remains a popular transmission in performance applications precisely because it does its job without unnecessary complexity.
That makes the Moroso 42001 a natural fit for the kind of traditional performance combinations frequently covered by My Pro Street.
Whether you’re working with a carbureted small-block, big-block Chevrolet or a more modern engine combination, transmission setup needs to be considered as part of the complete drivetrain rather than as an afterthought.
Builders working on the engine side of the combination can also reference our Complete Turbo Build Guide when planning a forced-induction project, particularly when transmission choice, gearing and intended horsepower start influencing the rest of the build.
For additional DIY information, wiring references, troubleshooting and performance-tech coverage, visit the My Pro Street technical library.
Who Should Buy the Moroso 42001?
The Moroso 42001 makes the most sense for builders running a GM Powerglide who want:
- A fabricated aluminum transmission pan
- A rigid billet mounting rail
- Improved serviceability through a drain plug
- Magnetic debris monitoring
- A shallow pan for better vehicle clearance
- A performance-oriented alternative to a stock stamped pan
It is particularly well suited to drag cars and lowered Pro Street-style vehicles where a deeper transmission pan may create unwanted clearance problems.
Final Verdict
The Moroso 42001 Powerglide Transmission Pan takes a straightforward approach to improving one of the most basic components on a performance automatic transmission.
Its fully fabricated aluminum body, CNC-machined one-piece billet rail, magnetic drain fitting and shallow 1.830-inch profile make it a strong choice for Powerglide-equipped street and race vehicles where durability, serviceability and ground clearance all matter.
It isn’t going to make the Powerglide shift faster or magically survive more horsepower. What it does provide is a properly engineered transmission pan with features that make maintaining and inspecting a performance Powerglide considerably easier.
And on a race car, being able to drain the transmission without bathing yourself in ATF is already an upgrade.
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