Anyone using a Tranny Cooler?

[bustednutz]

Just checking to see if anyone is using a transmission cooler on any of their mazda cars. I have an 07' mazda 3 sport with the 2.3. I just got done reading an excellent article on how to add a B&M trans cooler to your mazda. It was in one of the "tuner" mags. They reported transmission temp drop of up to 40 Degrees F. on highway runs.
Given the delicate nature of these transmissions, I am really interisted in making this a priority.
Just looking to see if anyone has done this yet.

 

[Savate]

Do you have more info on this? I'm interested in this as I am in South FL and its always hot 'cept for like two months

 

[onikaze]

Are you talking about a trans cooler for automatic or manual?

If you are talking about a trans cooler for an automatic trans well its not gonna really do much for you.
The primary reasons are
1 - You do not tow (I hope). Auxiliary automatic trans cooler are used primarily on tow vehicles, drag cars and 4x4’s; do to the extreme load on the trans which causes the fluid to exceed its optimal temp and boil over.
2 – Most if not all automatic trans cars have a type of cooler/ heater built into the radiator which under normal use is quite sufficient.
3 - If the trans does not operate within its predetermined optimal operating temp range you will have efficiency issues.

If you want to add a trans cooler to a manual trans then that is something entirely different. An automatic trans has a pump built into it to provide pressure for the valve body and solenoids to shift the gears. A manual tans on the other hand does not, so a pump must be added. Also the oil is much thicker and that is where the flow rate of the cooler you use will come into play.

I have used trans coolers in many application and the real trick is knowing how to maintain optimal temp.

Oh btw just a lil advise don’t using a B&M cooler. My buddy use to be sponsored by them and he had to change his oil coolers quiet often.

 

[amascio]

You might could go to the dealer parts department and see if maybe the Cx7 or 9 use an external trannie cooler. If they do, it may be possible to adapt one to your car - it's a Mazda to Mazda transplant....

Hey, it's just a thought!

 

[AutoXRacer]

I can't see you needing a tranny cooler with your application... Even if you are autocrossing or track driving, your current setup should handle it...you could even go with a slightly thicker tranny oil...

Why do you want to add a tranny cooler?

 

[Sveivo]

By delicate, do you mean "auto"? (uhm)

 

[bustednutz]

Yes, By delicate I am talking about the Automatic transmission.

Tests on these cars have shown that the transmission fluid gets upwards of 230 degrees F. Thats a little extreme if you ask me, and the cooler that is currently used is not very adequate or efficient. With the 3's sensitive transmission and all of its electronic wizardry, running at a lower temp in the trans is needed.

I actually saw a review of a B&M cooler added to one of these motors. The trans temps saw a 40 degree drop on highway runs. Down to the 190 degree mark. Shifting was smoother, and the trans fluid lasted longer and stayed cleaner.

An everyday driver that isn't towing anything can still benefit from a trans cooler.
Especially if you live in a very warm climate and have to deal with erradic traffic situations.

So I was just wondering if anyone did the upgrade and how it turned out for them.