Quick trans cooler question

[lee]

Originally posted by Chiketkd

On question, when the car idles at a stop light or if you're stuck in traffic and tranny temps start to rise, what's the best thing to do for the trans?

1) Leave it in 'D' to keep the ATF slowly pumping around?
2) Put it in 'N' or 'P' to disengage the engine from the trans?

-Chike

I have no idea. My inclination is to say leave it in drive. I am guessing that since shifting in/out of drive makes the clutches work; but, staying in drive just causes slip in the TC (then there's the heat thing, so...).

Fortunately for me, although I get a lot of very warm days (Florida, duh!), I don't have very much traffic unless I have to go through Cocoa Beach during rush hour - maybe one a week event.

[ensteele]

It makes a difference if you leave off the front engine cover (shroud) during the summer as well. Seems to stay much cooler because of the extra air movement.

[n00b on demand]

And also when you open the hood to your car you won't feel like you just stepped inside an oven.

[Chiketkd]

This is a great thread - I'm about to install a Champ 16,000 GVW trans cooler in the next week or so (when I install the 4.444 trans and diff) and the flow diagram from the How-To Documents is a perfect reference.



Decided to go with a tubular transmission cooler over the plate & fin style due to cheaper cost, lighter weight, and 'relatively' similar effectiveness in dissipating heat (plate & fin design is slightly more efficient though). The dimensions of the one I purchased measure 15 1/2" X 5" X 3/4" and I plan on mounting it between the condenser and radiator where I know there'll be good airflow (in series with the factory cooler in the radiator).

-Chike

[n00b on demand]

My cooler is also tubular like that one chike...whats the difference? and is it better?

[Chiketkd]

Originally Posted by soobiesvx93

My cooler is also tubular like that one chike...whats the difference? and is it better?

Tom,

I did some research and both types are extremely effective at dissipating unwanted heat. The plate & fin type has more cooling passages for the ATF per square inch and as a result, can sometimes weigh almost double what a similar sized tubular cooler would weigh.

For my money, I'll be happy with this for now. If I ever prep my car to compete in track events at Virginia International Raceway or Summit Raceway, I'll probably look into getting a heavy duty plate & fin style cooler and use this tubular cooler for my power steering system...

-Chike

[sharky512345]

I am needing to get a tranny cooler as summer is approaching and i've been putting it off. I have been researching tranny coolers a little bit and don't really know which one to get or a good site to order from. Just looking at some a little bit I was thinking the one soobiesvx93 has but that is just based on higher number is better lol.

And as for a tranny filter would the best way to go just be the one for the svx off of subaruparts.com I think i just need someone to get on AIM or email or PM me and clear this up a little bit. Thanks.

Oh, and I would also like to get a ATF temp gauge, so I would need to know a good one of those as well. and would all gauges be compatible with all coolers? Preferibly I would want one that would just fit into the ashtray so it is hidden and doesn't stand out. Thanks in advance.

[n00b on demand]

Hey sharky ( i think ur name is nick right?)....anyway i suggest you get the cooler that I have. Its good and powerful at 26,000 GVW. The better the cooling power the more your tranny will thank you for it. People told me I wouldnt achieve TC lockup on the highway because it would stay too cool but if you do a little city driving before you get on the highway then you should have no problems. My fluid is still bright pink or red as the first day i put it in. The 7,000 GVW cooler i looked at from summit racing was 45 bucks but then someone told me 7000 GVW is nothing so i opted for the 26,000 GVW cooler for only 10 dollars more. Definitley try and get it in there before the hot summer temps arrive. The install is a peice of cake too...should only take 30 mins for the first timer.

[n00b on demand]

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=egnsearch.asp

Thats where I got my cooler from....you could also get a filter kit and temp gauge from them too. I still need to get a filter kit and temp gauge....im such an idiot i didnt do that before.

[sharky512345]

so would something like this work fine for a filter? http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=egnsearch.asp

and maybe somthing like this for a gauge: http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=KeywordSearch

I just want to make sure that i am getting the right stuff. And yes, my name is Nick (you must be psychic).

And as far as installation goes does the trans cooler go right in front of the radiator or what? pics would be very helpful as i am a visual learner. I am on AIM right now if you want to just talk on there. SN is sharkysvx

[shotgunslade]

Solobiesvx93:

Just bought the Translife Flexa-lite 26,000 GVW per your suggestion in this thread. Assume installation is by removing center section of grille and dropping it down in front of radiator next to the AC condenser. Hope there is room. Looks pretty tight. Just wanted to verify that is the approach. Any other tips for that 30 min installation? Also, any tricks to the clips that hold in the center grille section, if that is the way in. Don't want to break anything getting it out. thanks in advance.

__________________________________________________ _________

94 LSi, 80,000 mi. SmallCar Shift kit, "Green" Filter installed, Dayle's Magnaflow Kit and Ben's Drilled and Slotted Rotors in the trunk to be installed next week. ECUTune Stage One on my shelf to go on after exhaust work.
Suspension and wheels next.

[shotgunslade]

Soobiesvx93:

My apologies for the typo (Solobiesvx93). Didn't see it until after I posted.

[Earthworm]

For reference there is an Edit button on your posts so you can fix your typos.

I believe most people put their cooler between the radiator and the A/C condenser.

[thundering02]

Originally Posted by Earthworm

For reference there is an Edit button on your posts so you can fix your typos.

I believe most people put their cooler between the radiator and the A/C condenser.

Actually thats where mine ended up and to make it all easy PULL the RADIATOR or pull the bumber whichever.

[sharky512345]

Originally Posted by Earthworm

I believe most people put their cooler between the radiator and the A/C condenser.

hey, where exactly is the A/C condenser? I keep hearing people saying that the best place to put the trans cooler is between the radiator and the ac condensor, but I don't know where the AC condensor is Thanks. Oh, and if you have any pics that would be cool, thanks again.