i have read that the trans should be filled to the parting line of the pan and case or 1/4" or so above. first of all is this correct and if so is it while running, not running, cold/hot. i dont really trust my long lokar dip stick. if anyone has a measurement from the stock dipstick stop to the fill mark i could mimick that on mine. the problem ive noticed while messing around with the dipstick is that once you start bending it around it changes length. ive got the 4l80 with a 258mm circle d converter, 40k cooler, and derale deep pan. i have no idea how much it should take after i just had it apart. i suspect that i was a little low before even though it was good on the dipstick. last night i knew i was a little low (ran out of fluid to fill it with) and it def slipped just driving around the block. im guessing somewhere around 16-18qts but maybe more?