Transmission cooler (?)

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Jul 29, 2014 | 10:59 PM

KoreaJon

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From: Huntsville, AL Relaxed!

Transmission cooler (?)

Hello Everyone,

I'm looking for some thoughts / input regarding a transmission oil cooler for my A4.

Currently it's the transmission is all stock, but in the very near future I'm installing a 3400 stall converter.

I've been watching my trans oil temps....during normal driving (which includes lots of acceleration / de-cceleration

) they are usually in the 218 deg. range.

I understand (vicariously) that when I add the 3400 stall that the temps will go up, and high temps are the enemy of transmission longevity.

With that being said, what are your thoughts on this unit? I've seen one installed just aft of the differential, but is it overkill for daily street driving?

Thanks in advance!
KoreaJon

Jul 30, 2014 | 12:03 AM

NukeC5

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From: Oceanside California

Actually almost nothing is overkill for transmission cooling. It's ideal to run around 170 degrees or less. I use a fanned cooler like that on my setup with a 3200 stall. Never see over 170 even when racing.

Jul 30, 2014 | 12:05 AM

KoreaJon

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From: Huntsville, AL Relaxed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by NukeC5

NukeC5,

Thanks for the reply.
Where is yours mounted? I was contemplating mounting it just aft of the differential, obviating the cooler lines to the front of the car. Pros / cons?

Thanks again,
KoreaJon

Jul 30, 2014 | 09:22 AM

NukeC5

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From: Oceanside California

Quote:

Originally Posted by KoreaJon

NukeC5, Thanks for the reply. Where is yours mounted? I was contemplating mounting it just aft of the differential, obviating the cooler lines to the front of the car. Pros / cons? Thanks again, KoreaJon

Well since it's a good idea to run the radiator cooler still, I just mounted it up front on the drivers side of the radiator/condenser. So the stock line runs into the radiator, out to the cooler, and back to the stock return line.

Jul 30, 2014 | 12:46 PM

dblerman

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From: Hopatcong New Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by NukeC5

This is exactly how I did mine... Got all the parts I needed from summit racing, plus 1 female junction fitting from GM dealership. Running a B&M 70266 cooler for my 3200 stall.

Jul 30, 2014 | 09:16 PM

KoreaJon

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Joined: Apr 2013

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From: Huntsville, AL Relaxed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by NukeC5

Quote:

Originally Posted by dblerman

This is exactly how I did mine... Got all the parts I needed from summit racing, plus 1 female junction fitting from GM dealership. Running a B&M 70266 cooler for my 3200 stall.

Thank you both for the reply.

My thinking is that ~perhaps~ there's a benefit to installing the cooler (with fan) near the differential because:
1. By not installing another cooler in front of the radiator, there's no additional blockage to the engine cooling, and
2. The trans fluid wouldn't absorb any of the heat from the engine coolant.

My concerns are:
1. Airflow / road debris around the differential area, and
2. Where does the DIC get the trans fluid temperature reading from? I know that I can figure this one out, but I haven't gotten that far.

I also see the value in the fact that you've "already been there, done that..." so why reinvent the wheel.
I'm probably over-thinking this....

Thanks again,
KoreaJon