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.

[ensteele]

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.

[SVXRide]

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

Is there a rough % in decrease of tranny failures from Redline ATF and/or the cooler mod?

Just curious.

[ensteele]

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.

[mbtoloczko]

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.

[lee]

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).

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.

[Chiketkd]

Originally posted by BATMAN
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.

Looking at a stock 3.55 geared awd 4EAT vs a stock 3.70 geared fwd 4EAT, I would probably guess that the fwd version would last longer:

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

How difficult is it to install the Trans cooler, and is there room for it to bolt right onto the side of the trans?

[mbtoloczko]

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.

[SSSVX]

Originally posted by lee

, and they did NOT recommend the hi-temp ATF.

Why? What is their reason?

[James Scott]

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!