evilbadz

iTrader: (1)

I'm probably going to purchase a Fuddle Racing 3600 stall / 2.5 str verter in a day or two, and they have a 18k GVM tranny cooler you can get for $40 with the verter GP.

Is 18k enough to keep it cool in an area where it sometimes gets pretty hot? I live in southern LA and want to make sure I dont fry the tranny...

firechicken2k

i got a 3600 / 1.8STR from Fuddle
I'd recommend a 24,000 gvw b&m cooler, and *definitely* get a tranny temp gauge. it's a must. do it.

a gauge to keep your eye on the tranny is much cheaper than a tranny rebuild after you fry it with heat. at least with a gauge youll see its at a dangerous temp, can pull over and let it cool off... and then figure out why your cooler isnt working

evilbadz

iTrader: (1)

Is there really that big of a difference between the 18k and 24k ones?

Also, where is the cheapest place to get a temp gauge for it?

firechicken2k

go to www.autometer.com and take a look at the gauges
pick the type and size you want (get an electrical gauge, not a mechanical one), and then go buy it.. they have a dealer locator on the site, so youll see what shops near you carry them.

it should run you about $70 for a decent gauge, sender unit, etc.
should take roughly 2 - 3 hours to install, for the shop ... depending on how you want it installed, where you want it mounted, etc ..

and the difference between 18k and 24k is 6k. you decide for yourself, but for me: the more cooling, the better. i'm actually thinking about daisy chaining 2 coolers, and adding a 19k cooler to my 24k cooler

12Gauge

iTrader: (2)

John from Fuddle recommended a 24K for the 3800/2.35 STR I ordered from him. I'm going to go with that.

sleeperstyle

iTrader: (4)

just to add this also, i had my 24000gvw mounted "dope style", and was experiencing 190-200* temps. moved it to on the condensor/rad, and with my high fans always on (over 160*) my temps at the track (ambient air about 60*) were not over 180*, after HOT LAPPING IT! when it is warmer out definetly not hot lapping, but you get the picture. mounting it on the condensor is where it is at, i can watch my temps drop while idling for a little while with my high fans on. it used to stay around 190*, now it is more like 175 -180 (pretty optimum fwiw)

where does everybody have the probe for the trans temp gauge? in the pan i'd guess, but any certain level or spot that i should know about? i am using hptuners to monitor, which sucks when i do not have the labtop with me.

SUX2BU

iTrader: (14)

if you put it in the pan it measures the temp after it comes back from the cooler. i putr mine in the outgoing tranny line before the cooler. this is where the fluid just came out of the converter (the point at wich the fluid is hottest).
I figure you want to know what is the absolute hottest your tranny fluid gets, not how cool it is after the cooler.
And i also have it going to a 30,000 gvw cooler.

SmokingWS6

iTrader: (1)

30k? who makes it? Will it fit in front of the radiator/coils?

CWallen

iTrader: (12)

When I put my gauge in I used the screw-in plug on the drivers side of the transmission.

evilbadz

iTrader: (1)

Well fuddle said I should be fine with the 18k cooler, but I know almost everyone goes with the 24+ and I dont want to fry a transmission any time soon.

SUX2BU

iTrader: (14)

actually its 29,200, i need all the cooling i can get. it takes almost half of my radiator. i might buy another for the other half of my radiator. i'm daily drivin a TH350, 4600 8" non lock up converter with 4.10 spooled rear.
http://www.bmracing.com/index.php?id...cat=28&pid=282

blkZ28spt

I wouldn't go 18k. I have a 3500 stall, soon to be 4000, and just driving around on a 65* day the tranny gets up to 180*. And that's with a +2 quart finned aluminum transmisison pan plus 24k B&M. I am going to add a second cooler and/or get a fan to place on the current one. I don't like waiting around forever in between track passes because the tranny get hot, and I do'nt want to fry my new tranny either.