SVX Network Forums Live Chat! SVX or Subaru Links Old Lockers Photo Post How-To Documents Message Archive SVX Shop Search |
IRC users: |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Would using Redline High Temp ATF reduce tranny failures?
I like to hear from those of you that are running Redline ATF.
Especially the ones that have flushed the ATF a few times. |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
It may reduce failures, but the main issue is heat and lack of flow. Redline would help a little, but would not solve all of the problems. An exterior cooler is the best solution so far.
__________________
. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
I agree with Earl! Adding a ATF cooler is a good investment for trans life along with regular changes of the trans fluid. You'll get differing opinions on "dynosaur-based" vs synth fluid - I'm not convinced that, if you're going to change the fluid regularly (versus trying to stretch the number of miles between changes), that you're better off with anything other than a name brand that's on sale.
-Bill
__________________
Retired NASA Rocket Scientist Most famous NASA "Child" - OSIRIS-REx delivered samples from asteroid BENNU to Earth in Sept. 2023 Center Network Member #989 '92 Fully caged, 5 speed, waiting for its fully built EG33 '92 "Test Mule", 4:44 Auto, JDM 4:44 Rear Diff with Mech LSD, Tuned headers, Full one-off suspension '92(?) Laguna, 6 spd and other stuff (still at OT's place) My Locker |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Is there a rough % in decrease of tranny failures from Redline ATF and/or the cooler mod?
Just curious. |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
That would be a tough one to prove, as well as hard to figure out. I would have to say that if you do all that you can to help keep the heat down in the tranny, filter the fluid, do regular fluid changes, no matter what kind of fluid you use, it will decrease the chances of failure. I would also do pump screen change if you do not know when the last time it was done. I have seen many that were clogged and slowed the fluid flow.
__________________
. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
There is definitely nothing to lose by adding the filter. It will only increase tranny life. The external oil cooler will definitely keep ATF temps down in hot weather. Even with the cooler, I was seeing 200F cooler outlet temps on long uphills in 95+ weather. A bit on the warm side. Without the cooler I'm sure it would have been at least 20F warmer which is getting way too hot.
__________________
Mychailo :: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ :: 1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold) Visit my locker SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
I spoke to redline about a year ago (well actually an e-mail exchange). Told them of the problems with the SVX tranny, and they did NOT recommend the hi-temp ATF.
They DID recommend either their regular synthetic ATF (for units calling for Dexron II) or their D4 ATF (Dexron III). |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Which transmission lasts longer FWD or AWD?
I would assume the FWD since there maybe less load on it due to lesser weight of the car and under high load and TQ it would break traction in the front which in turn would take some of the load off the tranny.
These are just conjectures. Discuss. |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Re: Which transmission lasts longer FWD or AWD?
Quote:
1) The fwd trans will be in a car that's over 200lbs lighter... 2) The shorter gearing (by 4%) will keep revs slightly higher during around town driving... 3) Less heat generated within the trans itself, as there'll be no awd transfer clutch in the back. However, it's hard to know for certain as there are fewer fwd SVXs than awd versions. -Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
How difficult is it to install the Trans cooler, and is there room for it to bolt right onto the side of the trans?
|
#11
|
||||
|
||||
You've got to put it in a location where cool (or at least semi-cool) air can flow over it. Most popular place is between the a/c condensor and radiator. Better to place it in front of the a/c condensor, but that takes more work. Can also put it in the left front fender well. That's a good location as long as you can insure airflow over the cooler in stop-and-go traffic.
__________________
Mychailo :: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ :: 1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold) Visit my locker SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads. |
#12
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Why? What is their reason?
__________________
-SSSVX 92 LS-L TEAL since Aug '01 92 LS-L YELLOW since Mar '05 |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Redline D4 ATF
I use D4 ATF, have "changed" (about 4 quarts) twice 2 and 2 1/2 years ago, flushed with this Redline about a year ago, have a small ATF cooler (between A/C cooler and radiator), have a "campaign" ATF filter.....AND a Smallcar.com shift kit...
My AT has not seemed to degrade noticably in the last two years. In fact, the smallcar.com shift kit made such an improvement in the shifting characteristics (esp. 2nd to 3rd), I still marvel at the improvement (highly recommend) in overall operation of the transmission....and the lack of any discernible wear/disfunction in the past two years! I believe all mods above are helpful....but who knows how much!? Good Luck!
__________________
Jim 1995 Laguna Blue SVX AWD L - 240K (daily driver) - "ReBuILT" used engine at 236K miles (6/13) 2013 Veloster Red - Driver Now??Dropsprings [1/2" rear, 1" front] with Koni Strut Inserts> Magnaflow Exhaust System> ECUTune Stage 1av1 Upgrade (from 1v4)> ECUTune TCU MOD> Aluminum Crankshaft Pulley> Stainless Brake Lines> Phenolic Spacers> Perforated Brake Rotors (dint like, OEM now)> SmallCar Shift Kit (resting since TCU MOD)> 7-Position Ground System> High-Pressure Fuel Pressure Regulator (resting)> ATF Cooler & Campaign Filter> Yellow Polish Polyurethane Bushings> Pioneer Double-DIN Stereo with JL AUDIO Speakers> Driveshaft Rebuilt with C-Clip U-Joints> 15 Min MOD> 20 Min MOD .. . (2011) Valentine One Radar Detector with Remote Display - ucan'tseeme! |
|
|