Recently I installed in my 2000 Z a Performabuilt level 2 4l60e and a FTI hard hit 4000 stall speed lockup converter.

So I decided to install a transmission temperature gauge.

Riding around town in stop and go traffic 162 is as hot as it gets.

Back roads and making hits it may seem 160.

Cruising around in lockup it's 140.

Is this too cold? I was surprised at how cool it runs. Even when the gauge reads 160 it's only there for a minute before it goes back to 140-150.

 

Forgot to add that I also installed the transmission cooler Performabuilt supplies with each of their transmissions.

 

If 162 is as hot as it gets for you then I hate you. I'm satisfied if mine stays under 200. LOL!

How exactly are you reading temps? Im reading mine off aeroforce gauge via obd port.

 

I've got my sending unit about 18 inches before my cooler on the return side. I've bypassed the factory cooler, only running the Performabuilt cooler. The gauge is a Autometer C2 full sweep.

 

I would say 140 is low as it may not be hot enough to burn off any condensate that accumulates in the fluid. I always shoot for 175.

 

Sending unit is about 18 inches from the cooler on the return side. My cooler is in front of the radiator.

 

When I say return side, I'm talking about the line that would normally run to the top of the factory cooler.

 

You want to tap the sender either on the output port before the cooler, or in the pan. I prefer taking my readings at the pan.

 

I run without the stock cooler and always have. Im in CT and it gets cold here. I also run one of the biggest coolers ever. Never a problem.
If your reading 140 out of the cooler I wouldn't worry about it. Its hotter coming out of the TC and give it more time, it will heat up more anyway. Mine reads 140 in winter totally warmed up. Never a problem.

 

I accidentally installed it on the return port. I'm going to move it to the output line when I change the engine oil on Friday. I didn't pay close attention when I started cutting hose. Lol

 

In cool weather mine will struggle to reach 120. During normal weather 150 is normal, and during hot summers 180/190 is common.

 

IIRC you have it setup with a fan on your bumper support right? Do you have the fan on constantly or just when its needed?

 

"I would say 140 is low as it may not be hot enough to burn off any condensate that accumulates in the fluid. I always shoot for 175. "

Rubbish.

 

I dont run the fan except during the summer. If I'm driving around and the trans is 150 Im not gonna turn it on. I think it takes 225+ temps to damage trans fluid so I dont really get worked up when its under 200.

 

It was 60 degrees yesterday, and it took 5 miles of driving before the gauge needle even moved past 100.

When it hit 162, it only stayed there for a few seconds. It mainly stayed at 140. Friday I'll move the sending unit to the feed side. I may hook my stock cooler backup to.

 

One person's opinion. 175 has served me well for quite some time. That's nominal by the way and taken from the pan. 150-180 I would roll with during normal operation (seasonal temperature variations apply), and keep it under 200 during a pass. I'm sure 140 at the pan would be plenty warm to burn off any moisture in the oil as the output port is probably closer to 180. General rule is to keep the trans temp around whatever your engine oil temperature is (I've heard some shops recommend no more than 50 degrees off).

 

Drove around some more today and made a hit to just 60 mph, and it stayed around 140 the whole time. I'll see what the sending unit reads when I move it to the other line, but I'm sure it's no where near 200. I doubt that little cooler is cooling the fluid from 200 to 140.

 

I would leave the temp gauge in the return line if it was me.

 

That's interesting. I've wondered that, but not sure. What's your opinion?

I ran at the track tonight. It was 75 degrees. I hot lapped it one time and it did hit 200 degrees. But it went down quickly to 180. This is still in the return line.

 

I personally think the return line is more indicative of the transmissions actual temp. Cooler feed line will be substantially hotter.