T56 Heat? Normal?

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Aug 30, 2010 | 11:24 AM

RS777

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T56 Heat? Normal?

I've been running my LS1/T56 setup for about 1000 miles now and I've noticed the transmission gets VERY hot... and stays that way for a while. (running the oreilly ATF stuff - designed for Mercon/Dexron III applications). I am just trying to figure out if this is normal or not. I filled it up correctly (unplug the fill, fill until it runs out, let it run out, then plug it back making sure not to overfill or underfill). Is there a better fluid I should be running or something of that nature? I've just noticed while working under the car everything can be cooled down (after 30-60 mins) after a long drive (header/engine/etc) but the transmission still be burning hot to the touch and stay that way for a long time. Granted the engine and similar all dissipate heat very well with the aluminum oil pan and coated headers and such, but I am just asking/checking on this. I am going to put a new clutch/slave/etc in the car as I just re-used (never took apart, except the slave) the old stuff (only 49k miles), which may do nothing but better disengage the clutch and similar, but I was just curious. Thanks and sorry for the long post.

Aug 30, 2010 | 12:05 PM

85MikeTPI

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Get/borrow an IR temp gun and find out how hot is "hot". It may be a non-issue... 180degF is a typical hot T56 fluid reading and isn't a problem.

Aug 30, 2010 | 12:10 PM

RS777

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 85MikeTPI

Get/borrow an IR temp gun and find out how hot is "hot". It may be a non-issue... 180degF is a typical hot T56 fluid reading and isn't a problem.

Good idea, I'll do this. I mean its not like melting flesh hot, its just weird how it doesn't seem to dissipate heat worth a crap =\ (everything else is cooled down and its still very hot), then again its in a tighter area than it was. The car drives great, I am just trying to sort out any possible premature wear issues and similar as its my DD.

Last edited by RS777; Aug 30, 2010 at 12:42 PM.

Aug 30, 2010 | 01:31 PM

ElkySS

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i had a buddies t56 do that. after a while, it would burn ur hand on the shifter. never found out why so im curious too

Aug 30, 2010 | 01:40 PM

ZONES89RS

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Mine is in my 89 RS and it does not get that hot, i can still touch it.

Aug 30, 2010 | 01:50 PM

RS777

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Yikes I dont even have a shift **** lol... but it never has transmitted that much heat... even just using the shifter stick its not horrible (warm, but not hot). Its just when I am trying to work on exhaust components or some of the lines/wiring thats tucked up under everything. An elbow or an arm touching the trans vs the engine is like night and day lol light ya up