This new product from Anderson Design & Fabrication could be the key to making Subaru CVT transmissions more reliable
By Ben Boxer
I see a lot of questions and concerns about CVT failure in Subarus. Recently, ADF developed an aftermarket aluminum CVT pan to help keep these transmissions cooler and more reliable. I wanted to get a bit more info on the details surrounding the R&D for the new pan. So I reached out to ADF for their thoughts.
In this exclusive interview with Patrick Anderson, the owner of Anderson Design & Fabrication, we look into the innovative engineering behind their latest creation: the CVT Billet Transmission Pan. With years of experience in the offroad Subaru industry, he sheds light on the inspiration driving the development of this pan.
Pat also provides insights into why this USA-made pan stands out as a game-changer for Subaru enthusiasts and drivers seeking improved performance and longevity for their vehicles.
Table of Contents
A Need For Cooling: The Main Reason Development Began
I figured we could make these transmissions less problematic
“The Subaru CVT transmission has had a bad rap over the years, with overheating being one of the major issues. By increasing the fluid capacity and enhancing cooling with an aluminum pan, I figured we could make these transmissions less problematic.”
Subaru’s CVT has been a point of concern for myself and many drivers, especially when it comes to overheating. Patrick explains how the problem became apparent during ADF’s own testing. With increasing temperatures leading to transmission issues, the development of a custom CVT pan was an obvious solution. The primary goal was simple: create a product that addresses the root cause of many CVT failures, providing Subaru owners with a way to extend the lifespan and reliability of their vehicles.
(ADF is one of the leading manufacturers of offroad parts and lift kits for Subarus. This is their Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition that has an additional 4 inches of lift.)
Creating An Efficient Heat Dissipating Design
When it comes to managing heat, the ADF pan design gets the job done. The choice of 6061 aluminum was crucial for its heat-dissipating properties and strength, while the added cooling fins enhance the pan’s ability to keep the transmission fluid at optimal temperatures. This design was tested under real-world conditions to ensure that it provides the best possible performance, especially for those using their Subaru vehicles in demanding off-road environments.
“The added cooling fins and 6061 material make it an excellent heat displacer, allowing for additional cooling. We are still analyzing temperature data across different seasons, but the initial results are promising.”
Unlike Any Other CVT Pan Available
We expect the pan to outlast the life of the car
(Notice the shallow construction of the stamped steel factory pan)
Compared to the stock stamped-steel CVT pans found in stock Subarus, ADF’s billet aluminum pan is a game-changer. Not only does it increase fluid capacity, but its thick, durable construction means it can withstand hard hits. Patrick notes that unlike factory pans, which are prone to damage and wear, the ADF pan is built to outlast the vehicle itself helping Subaru owners avoid costly repairs in the future.
“From what we have seen, apart from the factory stamped steel plate, this is the only other CVT pan on the market. The size and thickness of our pans practically eliminate the need for a transmission skid plate. The base thickness of the pan is 0.3″, plus the 1/4″ fins. We expect the pan to outlast the life of the car due to its construction.”
The Manufacturing Process: What Is Billet?
We opted for billet machining due to the quality, strength, and consistency
“In manufacturing, there is a term called “Billet,” where a solid object of material is machined into a finished product. These pans are machined from a solid chunk of 6061 aluminum.
Most aftermarket pans, outside of the Subaru market, are manufactured using a casting method. While casting is cheaper, we opted for billet machining due to the quality, strength, and consistency we can maintain. Our pans are made in the USA to support American companies, despite the higher costs.
Billet aluminum refers to solid aluminum material that’s machined into the desired shape. Its strength, durability, and precision make it a preferred choice in the aftermarket industry for high-performance applications.”
The Only Custom-made Silicone CVT Pan Gasket Available For Subaru: Easy Installation
Eliminates the headache of trying to get a good consistent bead with messy RTV sealant.
Installing a new CVT pan can be a messy and frustrating process, especially when it comes to the gasket. Most installs involve messy RTV sealant that can be difficult to apply consistently (and most people use WAY too much.) ADF’s custom silicone gasket solves this problem, providing a cleaner, easier installation process. Patrick shared that this gasket not only eliminates the need for messy sealants but can also be reused in many cases, making it the ideal solution for DIY mechanics and even professional installers.
“The standard RTV gasket that people are currently using needs to be applied from a tube, which can be messy during installation and cleanup. Our custom silicone gasket eliminates the headache of trying to get a good consistent bead with messy RTV sealant.
While single-use is ideal, we’ve found that our silicone gasket can be reused in some cases, making installation easier and cleaner.”
Where Is The ADF CVT Pan Produced?
Proudly made in the USA, ADF’s CVT pan is manufactured in Estacada, Oregon. Patrick highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses and keeping production within the United States. By working with trusted local machinists, ADF ensures that every part is crafted with the highest standards of quality. This commitment to local production also ensures that ADF can maintain control over every aspect of the manufacturing process, from design to final inspection.
“The pan is manufactured right here in Estacada by a local company we’ve been working with for a couple of years. It’s 100% made in the USA.”
Note: I have seen this pan in person during the development process and it’s a very well made part.
Potential Warranty Issues With The Aftermarket CVT Pan
As with any aftermarket product, some Subaru owners may worry about the potential impact on their vehicle’s warranty. Patrick addressed these concerns by explaining that while the ADF CVT pan may raise some questions among Subaru techs, it is built to handle extreme conditions. He emphasized that if the pan were to fail, it’s likely indicative of a larger transmission issue, making it unlikely to result in unnecessary repairs. ADF’s focus is on long-term reliability and performance, which will ultimately provide peace of mind for owners.
“I don’t foresee any major issues, although some technicians might raise concerns. However, if the pan experiences enough damage to break, there are likely bigger transmission problems at hand.”
Who Would Benefit From Installing This?
The ADF pan isn’t just for off-road enthusiasts. I think it’s a great upgrade for anyone looking to extend the life and performance of their Subaru. Patrick told me that daily commuters, off-road adventurers, and anyone who wants to improve their CVT’s cooling and reliability will benefit from this pan. Whether you’re driving in hot weather, heavy traffic, or tackling off-road trails, the added fluid capacity and enhanced heat dissipation will provide significant benefits across the board. I think this is also something that should be considered by those who are planning to do any towing.
“This CVT pan is suitable for all applications; from street driving to off-road and racing. Improved cooling and additional fluid capacity benefit any driving scenario.”
Temp Reduction And Added Fluid Capacity
Currently testing it and seeing temps an average of 20 degrees lower
Obviously, one of the most impressive benefits of the ADF CVT pan is the substantial reduction in transmission temperature. Patrick showed me data that proved a 20-degree drop in temperature during real-world testing, which can make a huge difference in the longevity of the transmission. Along with temperature reduction, the increased fluid capacity helps maintain better lubrication, ensuring that the CVT operates smoothly even under the demands of offroading.
“We’re currently logging data on temperature. However, it can vary based on weather conditions. We’ll have more data as we continue testing through different seasons. But we have one customer (@silverbulletxv on Instagram) currently testing it and seeing temps an average of 20 degrees lower than without the billet pan.
We don’t have an exact number regarding how much added capacity is created due to the chaotic service process. But our pan is over double the thickness of the factory pan, resulting in a significant increase in capacity.”
2025 UPDATE: Patrick told me that they have continued to see substantially reduced CVT temperatures as they’ve continued to collect data.
How Hard Is The Install Process?
Installing the Anderson Design CVT pan is surprisingly straightforward. Patrick told me that the average person can perform the installation in about 30 minutes with basic tools. The inclusion of the custom silicone gasket makes the job even easier by eliminating the need for messy sealants. While the trickiest part of the installation is ensuring the proper fluid level, Patrick emphasized that this is something most Subaru owners can handle on their own, making the ADF pan an ideal upgrade for DIY enthusiasts. But I will say that Subarus owners need to ensure that they understand how to get the CVT fluid up to the correct temperature when attempting this job.
“Installation is straightforward, with the filling of the fluid being the trickiest part due to a specific filling order to ensure proper fluid level. It’s a job that the average person could perform with basic tools in roughly 30 minutes when using the ADF silicone gasket.”
Do You Still Need To Run A Transmission Skid Plate With This Pan?
In my opinion, a skid plate is unnecessary if you are running the ADF CVT pan. I’ve seen them in person and they are very heavy duty. While we were talking, Patrick highlighted the thickness of the pan and it’s over double that of the factory pan, making it tough enough to withstand off-road impacts. This design not only adds durability but also simplifies the installation process for Subaru owners who want to avoid the hassle of extra protective parts.
“As previously mentioned, the thickness of these pans eliminates the need for a transmission skid plate. If this pan gets damaged, there are likely larger issues to address. We’re also working on models for newer Subarus, including turbo models and those from 2022 onwards.”
I want to give a huge shout out to Patrick for taking time to talk with me about their latest products. He’s always helpful any time I have questions and I’ve been using parts from ADF for almost 10 years.
You can find lift kits and offroad parts for your Subaru at the ADF website: awdadventure.com
The billet CVT pan is currently available on their website: CVT Billet Pan
While talking with Pat recently, he told me that they are also developing additional versions of the pan to accommodate newer Subaru transmissions as well.
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