how much is it and is it worth it? what does it help with? Where did u guys get it?



Jonathan Marsh
2k

 

it costs between 35 and 70 bucks depending on the size...

it helps keep the fluid cool thus less tear on the tranny internals...heat is the death of a transmission...

i got mine at http://www.carparts.com

 

If you want to beat on it you need it - AT repairs are expensive and a cooler will cut way down on them.

 

how hard is the install?

 

I want to get more info on this tranny cooler. What exactly is it that is added? Is it the small radiator-like fin cooler and it attaches to the tranny and the trans oil runs through it?
Also, I have read alot about the VC tranny upgrade, what exactly is this? What is it that is installed or modified?
Can I do this myself, or do I have to hava a shop do it?
Sorry for all the stupid questions, but this is the first automatic car I have owned. Thanks in advance gang!

 

Are you referring to the VB upgrade. VB stands for Valve Body upgrade. Basically some stuff is done inside the valve body to (I believe) increase the pressure of the tranny fluid. Springs and gaskets are replaced.. etc. Overall shifting response is supposed to be quicker/firmer and feel less slushy. If you search for VB upgrade or "valve body" you should find a good write up. I've seen several on here.

 

I was wondering about the same thing. How hard is the install? Is it something I can do myself or should I take it in to a shop? Anyone know how long it will take?

 

Check out <a HREf="http://grprete.jnet.net/Greg's%20Garage/1999%20Nissan%20Maxima%20SE/1999%20Nissan%20Maxima%20SE%20-%20Xmission%20Cooler.htm">this link</a>, full pics and commentary on an install. Looks fairly easy, perhaps a little time consuming.

 

Yes, I am referring to the VB upgrade.... sorry. Where can I get this?
Is it difficult to do? Does it make a big difference?

 

the valve body upgrade DOES make the tranny run cooler performance and longevity in one.. heck yeah!

every auto owner should get a supplementary ATF cooler. the stock one just doesn't cut it. for every 10-20 deg F cooler the ATF is, you add an extra 10k-30k miles to your tranny...

9 out of every 10 clutch plates recommend ATF coolers.

 

sfmax220se

To install the valve body depends on your mechanical skills. If you have ever taken off your tranny(auto) pan and chnged the filter, then you would be able to do this. But if you don't trust your self then have some one with mechanical ability to do it.

 

how much does something like that cost? i think i'll get the hayden 404 tranny cooler when i get my car fixed...probably in a few weeks...here in arizona i need it

 

where I can get instructions for the VB upgrade? I want to see if I can do it myself, if not, at least I have the instructions for my mechanic. Thanks All!

 

I don't think that's available. I only know of two places you can get it done, Don in Texas and Level 10 transmission somewhere back east. You're paying for their research and experience as far as I know. I doubt it's $350+ worth of labor and parts. Can anyone confirm this?

 

There is a "shift improvement kit" available for the 2k Maximas. It is a do it yourself type thing. However, as punkdork states, you are paying for research and experience if you choose to farm the work out.

Check out http://www.fourthrock.com/maxima/2k_parts_list.html , and look for "shift improvement kit" in the "Transmission" section. I believe you have to drill on your valve body with this kit. They sell them in local parts stores. I checked out the packaging and noticed the parts included which also included a drill bit. These were for American cars, though. The manufacturer of the "kit" was B&M. They sell these at Summit Racing (catalog).

 

I had it done at Level10...check out confused's post about i30krab's ride and you'll see a pic of my valvebody out...it totalled to over 1g...about 600 for the recal itself and then labor and fluid..etc.etc.

 

Is the cooler recommended / possible for a manual transmition?