Ive started watching my transmission temps cause theyve got me concerned that maybe theyre getting too high. Was just wondering whats a safe transmission temp to be driving around town in, Ive got a 3500stall and a 24GVW cooler and a fully built up 4l60e.

Ive been having times where the car seems to move slugish when I hammer down, or when it seems to wait a few seconds before downshifting when I hammer down, so I was thinking it might be cause the trans temps are too high. Thanks!

 

I like seeing around 180-200 trans temp reading, although my trans is about 160 degrees. You definately do not want too hot of trans fluid temp, and conversely you do not want the trans temp to be too low. I would say the trans temp should range from 140-220 for best results. Hotter climates will increase the fluid temps, as will cold climtes reduce it. You problem may be with the fluid level than the temp readings. Verify that the fluid level is at the proper location when hot and at idle.

 

Well my temp readings have never, even on the hottest day of this year (105*) reached above 199*. Theyre usually around 175-185 driving around in town, I just assumed that was still a bit too hot. Thanks for the response

 

I don't like to see anything over 200 degrees (never do anymore w/the tranny cooler) though they say ugly things don't start to happen to ATF till the mid-200's. Your tranny temps sound fine to me.

Actually, the symptoms you describe is how my tranny acts when it's cold, i.e., sluggish, delayed shifts, etc.

 

Read this once and heard the guys on Horsepower TV say it so I think it's true, every 20 degrees you lower your tranny temp it doubles it's life.

Heat is absolutely the worst enemy of the tranny.

 

In the summer here in TX and city driving its around 170-180s. If it's stop and go traffic then it will raise to 190-200. Highway driving its around 150. I have a 3400 stall and 24k GVW B&M Cooler.

 

I also have a totally rebuilt beef'd up transmission in the car if I hadnt mentioned that previously

 

There's also something called "diminishing returns."

You don't want to cool your ATF too much. Your tranny fluid needs to stay within its operating temp range just like your motor oil does. If it doesn't heat up enough it won't be able to properly lubricate your transmission. Your tranny will also shift hard and late. I'm sure you've noticed this in cold weather when you first pull away and before your ATF temps have climbed.

 

On my car...I only noticed problems from it being too cold when it's below 100*. It doesn't take long for it to get above that. Once she's over 100* on the tranny temp, she's shifting and working like normal...and I haven't heard of anyone cooling their tranny temps that much on the highway.