What about a transmission cooler?

[speed_demon_freak]

I have an automatic trans on my car. I had one installed on my Grand Prix GTP and they say it makes a big difference with the cooling of the trans.

I wonder how difficult if would be to have one installed on the front of the radiator of the GTO?

I think I might have one installed on my car.

[CMNTMXR57]

Not to difficult to add. B&M will most likely have one specifically for the GTO eventually. For now you can probably adapt a current kit for it from a F-Body or Vette.

[speed_demon_freak]

Looks like there is a trans cooler already installed.

Its infront of the radiator. Looks like a rail cooler.




http://free.one.picturehost.co.uk/DSC00088.JPG

[CMNTMXR57]

Right, but the factory ones are only adeqaute at best.

[speed_demon_freak]

Yeah but just that there is a factory cooler there makes it easier to attach a larger one.

[me_whynot]

Just remember that the engine - transmission combination has been designed to cope with Australian summer temperatures (ie 40C or 104F). In addition, the most Australian V8’s are fitted to cars that are equipped with tow bars. Often towing rated to 1,200 kgs but the Commodore is rated to tow up to 2,100 kgs. So with a generally cooler climate in the USA; even under heavy duty conditions I would expect that standard transmission cooling arrangements on the GTO will be more than adequate.

That said; if you are really going to thrash the car then additional oil cooling does not hurt.

[Monaro Aussie]

me whynot is right with his post. You have an Automatic transmission oil cooler fitted as standard. They are standard fittment on or LS-1 V8's as our summer temperaturs get so extreme (it's the middle of summer now and it's at least 100F everyday since November). I have fitted bigger ones, but the standard one does a great job and doubt you guys will need to upgrade yours. I only repleced this one as he always towed a big horse float, full family of 5 and lived and travelled in moutainious regions. I did it more for a little extra peice of mind more then anything. Our Police over here have no problems with them either as all pursuit/highway patrol cars have the GEN III LS-1 A4's. And we all know what type of thrashing the Police give cars!

[crazywop112]

I would get one if I were you just to get alittle more protection.

[Sid447]

The bar cooler,

You are looking at is for the P.A.S. system.
There's no txmsn cooler and it badly needs one.
The 4L60E's give up pretty quick in the UAE heat (45-50C) and the 4L65E's that are fitted now on MY2004 cars (GTO's included) are a bit tougher but still in need of a good sized oil cooler.

Regards, --- Sid447 ---

[speed_demon_freak]

The bar cooler,

You are looking at is for the P.A.S. system.
There's no txmsn cooler and it badly needs one.
The 4L60E's give up pretty quick in the UAE heat (45-50C) and the 4L65E's that are fitted now on MY2004 cars (GTO's included) are a bit tougher but still in need of a good sized oil cooler.

Regards, --- Sid447 ---



Thanks


What is a P.A.S system?

[Sid447]

Thanks


What is a P.A.S system?

...................Power Assisted Steering!


--- Sid447 ---

[Blitzu]

I would be hesitant to put a transcooler on... take a look at this posted about the coolers that have been used on the GTP's.

Bad mods (http://www.zzperformance.com/zzp/info/bad_mods.ht m)

Something mentioned is that the cooler actually blocks the air to the main radiator increasing the engine temp which in effect raises the trans temps. It has also been said additional trans coolers increase the potential for the fliud to get dirtier quicker, inturn huting performance, and potentially damaging parts.

Nt sure if this is the same for the GTO's, because I am not even sure if we have a stock cooler yet (havent looked yet), but it is something to think about. I for one will not be getting one until I break 400 WHP mark, I don't see a reason for one until then.

[me_whynot]

Most of the pictures I have seen of the GTO are in snow bound locations. So, please excuse a dumb question from an Australian who lives in the tropics: Can you damage a transmission by running it too cold? If you are circulating automatic fluid into freezing air what effect does this have?

[Sid447]

Sorry,
I need to correct myself.
The GTO has...like the Commodore and Lumina A4's a cooler which is an in-radiator type.
It's basically a tube set vertically in the left-side of the radiator side tank.
It moderates the tmsn temps but in stop-go town driving, runs the water temps up over 100C [237F] due to heat exchange.
I spoke (e-m) to TCI and B & M about bigger sumps and external front-mounted oil coolers; and for this application (RWD and 4L60/65E) they reckon both are the best thing to do for longer txmsn life.

[GM-Middle East are thinking of introducing an external cooler due to failure rate here, mostly down to overheating].

"Blitzu," with a cooler mounted correctly (right gap in front of A-C condenser) the water temps in our type of car will be moderated not increased.

--- Sid447 ---

[mtu_gto]

Most of the pictures I have seen of the GTO are in snow bound locations. So, please excuse a dumb question from an Australian who lives in the tropics: Can you damage a transmission by running it too cold? If you are circulating automatic fluid into freezing air what effect does this have?

You can damage it all if you live in places like northern Minnesota and don't have a garage. My parents used to live there in the 70's and my Dad had his car outside overnight, froze the engine block/trans solid. -60F (-50C) apparently will freeze even antifreeze...hehe.

[Blitzu]

"Blitzu," with a cooler mounted correctly (right gap in front of A-C condenser) the water temps in our type of car will be moderated not increased.

--- Sid447 ---

I don't disagree as long as it is mounted in a place where it won't matter but with the Grand Prixs in peticular there was no good place. This car maybe different, like I said I haven't really looked at it yet.

If there is a stock one I just dont see how installing a aftermarket one would be that beneficial. Stock components are usually very good. Like my friends father always said... "Don't change it unless you need to".

[Sid447]

Yes,

Agree with your sentiment about leaving things alone if they are okay.
However the 4L65E on the GTO's is just inside on it's factory torque limit (380lb-ft).

The 215hp V6 Lumina's here (4-door version of above) in the ME run 4L60E's and they don't give too much problem really so it isn't ALL down to heat as they are subject to the same running temps as the LS1 cars.
Yet the LS1 cars start falling over at 20,000kms [12,500m]and most have failed by 65,000kms [41,000m]. This is the 4L60E I know, ...and having talked to the GM Repair Facility Manager the overriding #1 problem is the heat and lack of an additional external cooler.
When they up-rated the engines (PCM) for the GTO to the same spec as the ME engines it coincided with GM fitting the 4L65E from the Vette into all MY2004 production cars of this type in all markets. This box has stronger internals and is re-rated 20lb-ft higher than the 4L60's 360lb-ft rating so time will no doubt tell.
A good pointer is to go onto LS1.com.au Forum and do a "search" on auto txmsn problems and fitting oil coolers.
The boys from "down-under" have found and sorted most of the problems, along with what works and generally what doesn't, and know how to avoid it with this car. Be a shame not to take advantage of the free, hard-won experience.
--- Sid447 ---

[mistermike]

Highly recommend a cooler, synthetic ATF, and a filter in the cooling line.

[slick50]

My experience is that if you don't beef up the 4L60E for HP and you don't raise the stall on the converter, you really don't need an external trans cooler. If you do these mods, a cooler is a must.

slick50

[speed_demon_freak]

buy this stuff


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