Should I get a transmission cooler??

[Dinkydow]

I have a 94 Q, with 57k on it. When I bought it, she had 50k on it and was in Las Vegas. The previous owner said she was rarely on the highway. I guess what I am wondering is this , it was driven in high temps, Las Vegas, and in bumper to bumper traffic, for 50k Isn.t the transmission already as toasted as it will get. Just recently I dropped pan, put in a new filter, had it flushed and now have redline atf in it. All is well, as far as I know with the shifting and all. I live in Northeren Minn, close to the Canadian border and did not and will not drive it from Nov-March. I have the money to put one on, but I guess Iam wondering if its like closing the barn door after the horse has left. Thanks for replies! Wayne

[Und3rprshUr]

I wouldn't waste the money.. put money elsewhere..

[elwesso]

If you plan on keeping the car until you replace the transmission, go for it..... Then at the time of replacement youll just have to plug the new transmission into the cooler.... But if you plan on selling the car, dont bother......

[PalmerWMD]

It's so cheap why not do it?Also you probably drive a lot more aggressively than she did,

Fred...

[PalmerWMD]

The fact that the transmission is still shifitng well means the seals are currently not too bad.

Fred...

[elwesso]

Yeah, now that I re-read your post, definitely do it!!! I dont normally see 94 Qs with such low miles.... I thought it had 157k!!! Sorry...... Do it, and then youll be all ready to go for transmission replacement when it dies!!!

[AZhitman]

It's only $60.

B&M #70268. Easy DIY, takes 2 hours MAX.

[Dinkydow]

Does any one know where, or if, I can order the B&M#70268 online?? Where are you guys installing the cooler? I mean between the aircondtioning radiator and the radiator??? Thanks wayne

[DAEDALUS]

http://www.summitracing.com

I put the cooler down low, in the airflow, and so that I can screw it to the lower flange of the radiator. This allows me to not have to use the metal straps that come with the cooler. The straps effectively lower surface area of the radiator...I don't like them. They could have been thinner.

[AZhitman]

I didn't use the straps, i used the zipties that go through the condenser/radiator.

When I pull my radiator to have it cored/rodded next week, I'm gonna move my cooler lower in the nose, more towards the ground...

[docsmile71]

Is it hard to install? I can do basic stuff like change oil, brake pads, etc. I installed the Cold air intake and bolt on muffler on my Sentra. You think I can do the transmission cooler? If I paid someone to do it, how much should I expect to pay?

Or maybe someone in the Boston, MA area who can help me out for a few beers and dinner?

I have a 95 Q with 57K miles on it too. I guess I'd rather have the insurance of the transmission cooler. Better to pay a few hundred now than a few thousand later.

[elwesso]

Its super easy...... You just unplug the to and fro lines from the radiator and plug them into the cooler..... then you find a place to mount it..... Easy as cake!!!!!!

[DAEDALUS]

Depends on how you mount it. Removing the radiator will at least double (probably triple) the installation time, but you can get the cooler to sit lower, and you won't have to work in a tight space--less risk of bending cooling fins..

[elwesso]

thats true..... I was just thinking about somewhere to put it..... could you mount it on the underside of the top of the bumper, so it would be in the airflow of the front air dam.....

[DAEDALUS]

In front of the AC condenser? Like an intercooler? Not sure. There sure isn't a lot of room there, and I wouldn't want to interrupt the air going to the engine in any way.

[elwesso]

No im saying down by the foglights.........

[Jesda]

I paid $35 for a heavy-duty cooler and $50 to install it.

[Dinkydow]

Jesdq: Where did you get your cooler??

[elwesso]

You can go to places like pepboys or advance auto parts and get a transmission cooler...... Ask for the biggest one they have....

[90Q45blue]

I would be more apt to buy a B & M 70268 because of its recommendation by the board and its proven effectiveness.

Nick

[slaughtermimms]

I have also been thinking about, installing a cooler, however the trans guy said I should go with a plate cooler instead of a fin type.

Just wanted to know if this is the way to go? He also said it better since I wanted to by pass the radiator completly.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[AZhitman]

I believe a "fin type" cooler will have greater surface area for heat dissipation.

I could be wrong....

[Qdog]

When I installed my trans cooler, I put a temp probe to a digital thermometer on the outflow side of the cooler. In normal Minnesota winter weather, the ATF temp was tending to stay at 70 - 80 degrees F at cruise. Too cool ! I cover the cooler with cardboard in winter, and remove it when temps rise above freezing. I think most here disconnect the radiator heat exchanger, but I left mine in the circuit ahead of the new cooler. I think the radiator is needed in below freezing weather to warm up the ATF to normal temp quickly.

[elwesso]

OOOH, thats not a bad idea.....

Whats a plate type cooler look like??? Is it just like a single piece of metal, as opposed to a radiator looking like deal???