I have really never thought that much about oil pans, but I have always kind of been under the assumption that Stef’s were the “top-of-the-line” oil pans. There are a ****-ton of pans available out there, and where to begin.
What even got me thinking about any of this were the pictures of TRL505’s new motors and all the custom stuff he’s getting (maybe a little jealous).
So here is where I am going with this.
What are the pros /cons and limitations of each of these:
Cast Aluminum
Stamped Steel
Fabricated Steel
Fabricated Aluminum
What are the metrics that drive the decision to use any of these styles? Start with the biggest most expensive and work your way back into the budget range?

So what brands are the best (and for what application)? Why?
Dooley
Canton
Stefs
Hardin Marine
Merc
Custom Built
Any others

We are running big canton pans. Not sure why that was the choice though. They are really nice though.

John jr

canton with kickouts on the sides.

i have the 10 qt cast alum pans on my fountain and i like them,the pans&blocks were the only parts i used from the engines that were in the boat,but i would never buy them new because mercury thinks they are made of gold the way they price them,teague has some really nice stamped steel ones i have used in the past,made out of fairly thick metal so they wont crack,and are priced right.i know a lot of guys like the alum pans that are welded togeather,but unless the boat is used in salt water,i stay away from them because a long time ago i saw one leak at a weld,but it had a lot of time on it before it developed the leek.i guess when selecting a pan for a new build most people,including myself,want a pan that wont leak,and is fairly priced.yankee,are you starting over with boat engines?i know we had our differences in the past,but if i can help you in any way,it would be my pleasure.