I've seen different opinions about the correct oil capacity when running a Canton 242-T pan...6 qts., plus the extra amount in the filter, or 6 qts. minus the extra amount that's in the filter.

I'm replacing my Melling oil pump with one of Melling's select pumps, so while the pan is off I checked it by filling it up with oil. When I put in 5-1/3 qts. (about what's left after filling the filter) the oil level is exactly even with the bottom of the windage tray. So it looks like 6 qts. minus what's in the filter is the answer.

 

You can. One thing a bigger oil pan can do for you is get the oil further away from the crankshaft. I think you need a minimum of 5 quarts including the filter. That is what I'm running in my 6 quart oil pan.