Are transmission coolers reccomended? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

PolynesianPowerhouse · 08-01-2014, 09:07 PM

Running a 6 speed auto, and have the 4 pack guages installed. From previous cars at the track ive always tried to keep transmission fluid temps at 175 during autoX evwnts granted it would rise to 195-200 briefly. I know the rule of thumb is for every 20 degrees over 175 it halfs the fluid and also allows thw formation of varnish etc on the clutches.

So from a few track practice events and traffic/spirited driving i'm now seeing temps past the midway mark and reaching towards 3/4 mark. Given the marks im estimating temps are nearing 220-235 ish? Am I right on that?

So has anyone added a cooler so far? Any reccomendations on perfect size fitments?

Trob85 · 08-03-2014, 08:38 PM

If you have room then absolutely put one in. I have a big intercooler so I was somewhat limited on my selections on what could fit and not to mention my oil temp is running 3/4 of the way between the 210 hash mark and the one right after that 250 I assume, I'm working on e85 setup which will help cool things down. Anyways with the trans cooler by itself, not ran inline with the radiator, I barely touch the 180 mark driving around. Now I haven't got on it since I'm still breaking the transmission in but I assume when I can get on it I'll only go over the 180 mark with the indicator not pointing past the 0.

PolynesianPowerhouse · 08-04-2014, 07:21 PM

Big thanx for the reply! Was wondering does anyone mod cars here for a sec. Ive checked some of the posts via search and seen some of you heavier modded guys that run em...but the regular modded guys not much response.

Was kinda wondering if the guages themselves were accurate, which fromthis weeknds past experience it seems to fade out the hotter it gets with smashin the gas and pulling away hard.

Im thinking to check out the ADM kit, since its kinda direct bolt on... but def again I do appreciate the reply.

Trob85 · 08-04-2014, 08:29 PM

Yea check them out I've heard good things about that setup.

Synner · 08-04-2014, 09:38 PM

Flexalite makes one with very nice brackets and cheaply priced. Works well on my M6 road racing but if you have a huge stall you may want a costlier stacked cooler.

smokum · 08-04-2014, 10:04 PM

I have the adm kit. 600+rwhp daily driver in Texas heat and it runs right at 180-185 degrees. Nice unit. Works well.

PolynesianPowerhouse · 08-05-2014, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synner

Flexalite makes one with very nice brackets and cheaply priced. Works well on my M6 road racing but if you have a huge stall you may want a costlier stacked cooler.

ive used flex a lite before for autox on a jbody. Are you usong the tube and fin setup? Last one I used had the universal barbs...honestly I never remeber taking it off so its more than likely still on there after 14 years!

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokum

I have the adm kit. 600+rwhp daily driver in Texas heat and it runs right at 180-185 degrees. Nice unit. Works well.

good stuff. From what im seeing with most is that. Its used as a standalone. Is that generally what everyone does?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trob85

Yea check them out I've heard good things about that setup.

Definitely will!

Synner · 08-05-2014, 06:55 PM

Yes when I did my cam I did the flexalite radiator, fans, trans cooler, and an x-large Earl's oil cooler. I used the upper half of the brackets that came with the kit and custom made the lower half to hold the oil cooler to it. I would never recommend running 2 coolers. It adds resistance, pressure loss, and is tough on the pump. Pick one thats sized right for your needs and do it right.

The ADM unit is a bit larger sized cooler so depending on your setup you may need it or not.

rich3fan · 08-05-2014, 09:21 PM

My ADM cooler install...

It was recommended because I'm running a 4K'ish stall converter. It ain't cheap but works very well. Word of caution if you order one from ADM: Make sure all brackets and hardware is included. Mine didn't include any mounting hardware nor did it include the GM cooler install instructions, which you're also supposed to get.

rberns · 08-06-2014, 09:18 PM

I also went with ADM for my cam swap. Mostly because its factory connection and not barbed fitting.

Pro Stock John · 08-06-2014, 09:30 PM

I have the ADM, doesn't usually go over 180F even at the track.

PolynesianPowerhouse · 08-08-2014, 09:17 AM

PS John, rberns, rich3fan, synner def appreciate the pics and advice. ...Now im pretty much SOLD on the need for one and advantages.

Can anyone leak any info on two more things... going into the stock rad/cooler.... which one is the hot lone and which one is the return to the transmission.

And most importantly.... 2013 lfx.... do we even have a dipstick for this transmission? Ive seen yhe posts stating some are like take it in for service...and others are like you need a lift. So whays everyone whos been diy tranny upgrades been doin?

Synner · 08-08-2014, 05:13 PM

Not familiar with your specific trans.
- Fluid filling should typically be done with the trans level, so 4 jack stands is all you really need.
- At the same time disconnect the lines going to the radiator, put it in gear for a few seconds. Whichever one spits out fluid is the winner. Thats how I figured it out, LOL.

Kiwi_Camaro_2010 · 08-08-2014, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolynesianPowerhouse

PS John, rberns, rich3fan, synner def appreciate the pics and advice. ...Now im pretty much SOLD on the need for one and advantages.

Can anyone leak any info on two more things... going into the stock rad/cooler.... which one is the hot lone and which one is the return to the transmission.

And most importantly.... 2013 lfx.... do we even have a dipstick for this transmission? Ive seen yhe posts stating some are like take it in for service...and others are like you need a lift. So whays everyone whos been diy tranny upgrades been doin?

Drivers side is return line

http://www.pcmofnc.com/install/P-120...s%20Cooler.pdf

08-01-2014, 09:07 PM	#1
PolynesianPowerhouse Big Samoan ina little car Drives: 2016 camaro Join Date: May 2014 Location: Tofiga Island Posts: 1,872	Are transmission coolers reccomended? Running a 6 speed auto, and have the 4 pack guages installed. From previous cars at the track ive always tried to keep transmission fluid temps at 175 during autoX evwnts granted it would rise to 195-200 briefly. I know the rule of thumb is for every 20 degrees over 175 it halfs the fluid and also allows thw formation of varnish etc on the clutches. So from a few track practice events and traffic/spirited driving i'm now seeing temps past the midway mark and reaching towards 3/4 mark. Given the marks im estimating temps are nearing 220-235 ish? Am I right on that? So has anyone added a cooler so far? Any reccomendations on perfect size fitments? __________________ Don't sit around and watch everyone else live YOUR dreams...DO SUMPT'N When I see posts asking "whats the best intake, exhaust, etc" .... the answer to that is like a grandfather telling his grandkids "if you put salt on a birds tail, it'll let you catch it" #ThinkAboutIt "Winning Tip: Don't take my (or anyone else's) word for it. GO TEST IT!" - Dennis Grant Last edited by PolynesianPowerhouse; 01-17-2016 at 02:46 PM.

08-03-2014, 08:38 PM	#2
Trob85 Svt lol Drives: 2011 ss inferno orange blown Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Topeka Posts: 2,312	If you have room then absolutely put one in. I have a big intercooler so I was somewhat limited on my selections on what could fit and not to mention my oil temp is running 3/4 of the way between the 210 hash mark and the one right after that 250 I assume, I'm working on e85 setup which will help cool things down. Anyways with the trans cooler by itself, not ran inline with the radiator, I barely touch the 180 mark driving around. Now I haven't got on it since I'm still breaking the transmission in but I assume when I can get on it I'll only go over the 180 mark with the indicator not pointing past the 0. __________________ plasti dip is not a mod.......and a cold air intake doesn't make you fast!

08-04-2014, 07:21 PM	#3
PolynesianPowerhouse Big Samoan ina little car Drives: 2016 camaro Join Date: May 2014 Location: Tofiga Island Posts: 1,872	Big thanx for the reply! Was wondering does anyone mod cars here for a sec. Ive checked some of the posts via search and seen some of you heavier modded guys that run em...but the regular modded guys not much response. Was kinda wondering if the guages themselves were accurate, which fromthis weeknds past experience it seems to fade out the hotter it gets with smashin the gas and pulling away hard. Im thinking to check out the ADM kit, since its kinda direct bolt on... but def again I do appreciate the reply. __________________ Don't sit around and watch everyone else live YOUR dreams...DO SUMPT'N When I see posts asking "whats the best intake, exhaust, etc" .... the answer to that is like a grandfather telling his grandkids "if you put salt on a birds tail, it'll let you catch it" #ThinkAboutIt "Winning Tip: Don't take my (or anyone else's) word for it. GO TEST IT!" - Dennis Grant

08-04-2014, 08:29 PM	#4
Trob85 Svt lol Drives: 2011 ss inferno orange blown Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Topeka Posts: 2,312	Yea check them out I've heard good things about that setup. __________________ plasti dip is not a mod.......and a cold air intake doesn't make you fast!

08-05-2014, 09:21 PM	#9
rich3fan What's this button do? Drives: 2019 Black 2SS Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Wylie, Texas Posts: 1,364	My ADM cooler install... It was recommended because I'm running a 4K'ish stall converter. It ain't cheap but works very well. Word of caution if you order one from ADM: Make sure all brackets and hardware is included. Mine didn't include any mounting hardware nor did it include the GM cooler install instructions, which you're also supposed to get. __________________ 2019 Black & Red & Silver 2SS - Bone Stock

08-04-2014, 09:38 PM	#5
Synner Drives: cars Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oversneeze Posts: 4,542	Flexalite makes one with very nice brackets and cheaply priced. Works well on my M6 road racing but if you have a huge stall you may want a costlier stacked cooler.

08-04-2014, 10:04 PM	#6
smokum Drives: 2010 2ssrs Join Date: May 2013 Location: DFW Posts: 827 View My Garage	I have the adm kit. 600+rwhp daily driver in Texas heat and it runs right at 180-185 degrees. Nice unit. Works well.

08-05-2014, 06:55 PM	#8
Synner Drives: cars Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oversneeze Posts: 4,542	Yes when I did my cam I did the flexalite radiator, fans, trans cooler, and an x-large Earl's oil cooler. I used the upper half of the brackets that came with the kit and custom made the lower half to hold the oil cooler to it. I would never recommend running 2 coolers. It adds resistance, pressure loss, and is tough on the pump. Pick one thats sized right for your needs and do it right. The ADM unit is a bit larger sized cooler so depending on your setup you may need it or not.

08-06-2014, 09:18 PM	#10
rberns Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: US Posts: 3,291 View My Garage	I also went with ADM for my cam swap. Mostly because its factory connection and not barbed fitting. __________________ 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS, Circle D 3200, ADM Transmission Cooler, BTR Valvetrain, Cam Motion .621 .595 228/244 113+4, ARH 1 7/8 full exhaust, Cold Air Inductions, Katech C5R TC, Melling HV, BTR SLR lifters, Trunion Upgrade, LS2 Dampner, LS9 head gaskets, Bo White PTB, MM can, GFX, Subs, B&M Deep transmission pan, Holley fuel rail, Proform valve covers, relocated coil packs

08-06-2014, 09:30 PM	#11
Pro Stock John Writer Drives: 2010 SS / 1967 Camaro Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 7,221	I have the ADM, doesn't usually go over 180F even at the track. __________________ PROJECT HEAVY CHEVY Camaro Now: Mods for the Masses Part I \| Part II 13.15@106 1.95 \| 100% Stock 12.37@112 1.85 \| + Kooks Headers/Cats + 20" 555R + CAI + BW TB + UDP + Tune 12.06@113 1.70 \| + CD 3200 + 18" NT05R + RCR Intake + NE OTR + GPI Tune 11.84@115 1.59 \| + 3.91s + Race Star 17x7 Fronts 10.90@125 1.47 \| + GPI VVT Cam + BW Ported Heads + CD 3800

08-08-2014, 09:17 AM	#12
PolynesianPowerhouse Big Samoan ina little car Drives: 2016 camaro Join Date: May 2014 Location: Tofiga Island Posts: 1,872	PS John, rberns, rich3fan, synner def appreciate the pics and advice. ...Now im pretty much SOLD on the need for one and advantages. Can anyone leak any info on two more things... going into the stock rad/cooler.... which one is the hot lone and which one is the return to the transmission. And most importantly.... 2013 lfx.... do we even have a dipstick for this transmission? Ive seen yhe posts stating some are like take it in for service...and others are like you need a lift. So whays everyone whos been diy tranny upgrades been doin? __________________ Don't sit around and watch everyone else live YOUR dreams...DO SUMPT'N When I see posts asking "whats the best intake, exhaust, etc" .... the answer to that is like a grandfather telling his grandkids "if you put salt on a birds tail, it'll let you catch it" #ThinkAboutIt "Winning Tip: Don't take my (or anyone else's) word for it. GO TEST IT!" - Dennis Grant

08-08-2014, 05:13 PM	#13
Synner Drives: cars Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oversneeze Posts: 4,542	Not familiar with your specific trans. - Fluid filling should typically be done with the trans level, so 4 jack stands is all you really need. - At the same time disconnect the lines going to the radiator, put it in gear for a few seconds. Whichever one spits out fluid is the winner. Thats how I figured it out, LOL.