I have a 2KSE auto with about 73K miles. I have had the car since about 40K miles and have kept up with maintenance religiously with M1 synth all around. Most of the last 30K have been hwy miles also. I have a frankencar intake, and am installing a warpspeed y pipe and am wondering if a tranny cooler is necessary... I have M1 synth ATF in the tranny now and do drive a bit "spirited" on occasion. I am not really interested in a VB mod b/c I don't race and enjoy smooth shifts for 90% of my driving. So I guess the basic question is- is a tranny cooler necessary for just the basic HP mods?

 

Not necessarily. The only time you would really want to use a tranny cooler is when your boosting (turbo/supercharger), but it doesn't hurt to put one in anyway. If you have plans on boosting and have the money now to put one in, just go for it or wait till later.

 

i would say it is not necesarry but it sure doesnt hurt. ive run one since i began modding just as insurance. the M1 will lower temps a bit but the cooler would still make a good difference. i beat the crap out of my tranny and i have never had an issue and i attribute it to the M1 and cooler. ive dropped the pan twice and no metal shavings and no slipping after i had the solenoids and tcm replaced under warranty.

 

You'll be fine w/out one. Even when boosting, it's not a must.

 

Not necessary

 

i put one on, you dont really have too, but its always good to have one, i went to Kragen and i bought the Hayden 404 transmission oil cooler, and went to the shop talk thread, to see how to install it.

 

tranny cooler is sooo not necessary for the 5th gens.. you dont want the tranny too cool either. and really you only need tranny coolers when you're doing alot of towing.

you want to extend the life of your tranny? just make sure you keep up with your maintenance..