Ecoboost Performance Forum

Ecoboost Performance => Performance => Topic started by: Gray Brick on August 11, 2015, 01:04:56 AM

Title: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Gray Brick on August 11, 2015, 01:04:56 AM
I don't really like seeing my transmission temperature at 205 degrees on long trips.

Has anyone upgraded the stock cooler?

What did you use?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: SHOdded on August 11, 2015, 05:56:06 AM
Haven't seen anyone do it on a Flex before.  And not on 2013+ vehicles.  But here are the HOW TO's we have to use te 2013+ SHO PP equipment:
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,2008.0.html (http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,2008.0.html)
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,522.0.html (http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,522.0.html)

Have you changed out the trans fluid at all since you bought the Flex?  You can try upgrading the fluid to a better spec'd aftermarket brand.  Shorter change intervals like 30,000 miles also would help significantly.  If I am not mistaken, there is still a thermostatic device that controls when the trans fluid goes into the cooler.  Maybe there is a lower temp aftermarket replacement?  Do you have a colder TStat installed?  With the tune, that should help cooling AND transmission systems.

And the old standby:  are you sure the fins on the radiator/condenser are as clean as can be?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on August 11, 2015, 08:11:30 AM
Quote from: Gray Brick on August 11, 2015, 01:04:56 AM
I don't really like seeing my transmission temperature at 205 degrees on long trips.

Has anyone upgraded the stock cooler?

What did you use?

Why don't u like to see it at 205?...Just like oil the fluid doesn't even offer full protection until warmed up to operating temps...too cold is just as bad too hot.

There are a lot of old reliable transmissions out there that operated at 300...remember the dip sticks saying trans fluid can be 350?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: SHOdded on August 11, 2015, 08:40:01 AM
Operating temp for these temps is between 175F & 200F IIRC from the owner's manual.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on August 11, 2015, 08:44:37 AM
Quote from: SHOdded on August 11, 2015, 08:40:01 AM
Operating temp for these temps is between 175F & 200F IIRC from the owner's manual.

Do they spell it out that specifically in the manual?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: SHOdded on August 11, 2015, 09:33:43 AM
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.

This is from the 2013 SHO manual for the 6F50/6F55 transmissions.  So yeah, I am inclined to go no higher than that spec.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on August 11, 2015, 10:05:14 AM
Ok...then 205 sounds right on target...we are conditioned to believe that cooler is better but I don't think people are aware of drawbacks of over cooled fluids....I don't really want to get into it but at 205 I would have 0 concerns
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: SHOdded on August 11, 2015, 10:31:06 AM
Aiming for the middle of the N.O.T. range is a good idea, in this case 190F.  The life of transmission fluid does not decrease linearly with increasing temperature.  Hence the "normal" vs "severe" duty recommendations for maintenance intervals in the OM.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Gray Brick on August 11, 2015, 05:05:15 PM
I replaced the trans fluid a few thousand miles ago with Motorcraft LV.

The temps remained the same.

I would like to see 190 on a normal basis.

Thermostat was changed to a 180 6 months ago.

Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on August 11, 2015, 07:19:50 PM
You should call ford and tell them how stupid they are. I'm sure u can tell them the countless amount experiments and results u have found proving why 205 is so detrimental and the magic number of 190 that u have come up with is the much better idea lol
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: FoMoCoSHO on August 11, 2015, 07:35:25 PM
205 is frigid compared to the temps I saw with repeated 1/4 runs on the 2013.

Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: jtoddk98 on August 11, 2015, 10:40:13 PM
My 2011 SHO runs 180 all day long. New ford fluid and Lubeguard auto transmission fluid protectant. Great stuff


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Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on August 11, 2015, 10:45:53 PM
Well now you guys have just pissed me off....I don't even know what my tranny temp is and now I'm curious so thanks for making me have to go out and log something else.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: FoMoCoSHO on August 11, 2015, 11:02:49 PM
Quote from: ajpturbo on August 11, 2015, 10:45:53 PM
Well now you guys have just pissed me off....I don't even know what my tranny temp is and now I'm curious so thanks for making me have to go out and log something else.
Now see, if you ran torque or dash command like I've suggested, you could just make a new gauge in about 1/2 second and have it handled.

I can tell you that PP with amsoil runs much cooler than non pp without.

Maybe I'll get some motivation one of these days and see how hot she gets at the track...
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: FoMoCoSHO on August 11, 2015, 11:23:59 PM
Like so...
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on August 11, 2015, 11:43:04 PM
Looks nice....Why can't we have that on our GPS screens?.....I don't have one of those fancy tablets and I'd hate to look at that on my phone
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: FoMoCoSHO on August 11, 2015, 11:50:03 PM
Quote from: ajpturbo on August 11, 2015, 11:43:04 PM
Looks nice....Why can't we have that on our GPS screens?.....I don't have one of those fancy tablets and I'd hate to look at that on my phone
Because in Ford's infinite wisdom the equipped our 45k tech flagships with composite video inputs.

Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on August 11, 2015, 11:53:24 PM
Well I'm not a computer guy at all...We have Bluetooth...Can't you do a type of wireless or dongle or something from the OBD II port ...I'd run the composite cables  to the screen if I could see all those gauges.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Gray Brick on August 12, 2015, 03:33:51 AM
HDMI to composite converter... $20 on ebay.

The problem is you need a Lockpick device to watch composite while driving.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: FoMoCoSHO on August 12, 2015, 02:09:06 PM
Quote from: Gray Brick on August 12, 2015, 03:33:51 AM
HDMI to composite converter... $20 on ebay.

The problem is you need a Lockpick device to watch composite while driving.
Nah, I'm just gonna blow $429 on the new Lockpick Air....

Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on August 12, 2015, 02:40:58 PM
Quote from: FoMoCoSHO on August 12, 2015, 02:09:06 PM
Quote from: Gray Brick on August 12, 2015, 03:33:51 AM
HDMI to composite converter... $20 on ebay.

The problem is you need a Lockpick device to watch composite while driving.
Nah, I'm just gonna blow $429 on the new Lockpick Air....

What's that all a boot?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: FoMoCoSHO on August 12, 2015, 03:47:34 PM
Quote from: ajpturbo on August 12, 2015, 02:40:58 PM
Quote from: FoMoCoSHO on August 12, 2015, 02:09:06 PM
Quote from: Gray Brick on August 12, 2015, 03:33:51 AM
HDMI to composite converter... $20 on ebay.

The problem is you need a Lockpick device to watch composite while driving.
Nah, I'm just gonna blow $429 on the new Lockpick Air....

What's that all a boot?
http://www.coastaletech.com/mytouchair.htm (http://www.coastaletech.com/mytouchair.htm)
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: BiGMaC on August 12, 2015, 06:27:26 PM
Quote from: FoMoCoSHO on August 12, 2015, 03:47:34 PM
Quote from: ajpturbo on August 12, 2015, 02:40:58 PM
Quote from: FoMoCoSHO on August 12, 2015, 02:09:06 PM
Quote from: Gray Brick on August 12, 2015, 03:33:51 AM
HDMI to composite converter... $20 on ebay.

The problem is you need a Lockpick device to watch composite while driving.
Nah, I'm just gonna blow $429 on the new Lockpick Air....

What's that all a boot?
http://www.coastaletech.com/mytouchair.htm (http://www.coastaletech.com/mytouchair.htm)
Sweet!
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: FoMoCoSHO on August 12, 2015, 09:05:43 PM
So I just took the BBG out for a flogging to watch the trans temps....

Highest temp was 196 and this was a fairly extensive flogging....far worse that dragstrip days with the 2013  non pp that saw temps over 220

As soon as the flogging subsided temps dropped very quickly to the low 170's for normal cruising.

This is a 2015 pp that had a drain and fill with Amsoil at 150 miles.

YMMV
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: SHOdded on August 12, 2015, 11:48:11 PM
So there.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Gray Brick on August 13, 2015, 01:59:14 AM
170 sounds good.

Is the cooler different in the SHO compared to the Flex?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: SHOdded on August 13, 2015, 06:31:28 AM
FoMoCo has the 2015 Performance Package, his 2013 did not.  The Flex has the same componentry as the non-Performance Package SHO.

How do the differences look (for 2010-12 anyway)?  See the attachment in bpd's post here:
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,522.msg3161.html#msg3161 (http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,522.msg3161.html#msg3161)

SHO Performance Package

$1,300

Enhance the performance of your SHO with the available SHO Performance Package. It features:

• Upgraded performance brake pads
• Sport-calibrated electric power-assisted steering (EPAS)
• Higher-rated springs, tuned shocks, stiffer stabilizer bars and rear suspension to provide a more connected feel between the driver and the road
• Standard AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control (ESC) features a "Track Mode/True Off" setting that delivers a more spirited driving experience
• 3.16 final drive ratio for off-the-line acceleration
• 20" machined and painted wheels with performance summer tires*
• New larger front and rear brake rotors
• Upgraded cooling pack
• Tire mobility kit (in lieu of spare tire)
• Alcantara® suede-wrapped steering wheel

*Ford does not recommend using summer tires when temperatures drop to approximately 40°F or below (depending on tire wear and environmental conditions) or in snow/ice conditions. If the vehicle must be driven in these conditions, Ford recommends using all-season or snow tires.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: FoMoCoSHO on August 13, 2015, 03:33:34 PM
30 minute drive to work today, 3 10ish minute segments consisting

City/hwy/city

156 degrees when I pulled in.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: SHOdded on August 13, 2015, 05:26:04 PM
I suppose you could keep some cold ones in there, FoMoCo!  ;)
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Gray Brick on August 13, 2015, 10:42:51 PM
Does Ford offer the aux trans cooler for the Flex?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on August 13, 2015, 10:57:01 PM
You have a tranny cooler in your radiator. But it sounds like no matter what anyone tells you, you are going to want it to be cooler....Honestly, as long as you aren't exceeding the designed specifications, which it sounds like you are not, then I wouldn't worry about it.

You said you were about 205 at the highest...Well that's what your coolant is give or take so that makes complete sense. It sounds like you are right were ford wanted it...You plan on road racing that brick?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: 66 Galaxie on August 13, 2015, 11:08:56 PM
I agree that a high of 205 is not anything to panic about and would just do drain and fills every 30k miles or so.

For reference,the tranny cooler is actually the top section of the a/c condenser in front of the radiator on Flex, Taurus, Explorer, Edge, and their Lincoln counterparts.

Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: SHOdded on August 14, 2015, 04:24:59 AM
Ford's specs are designed for vehicles that are unmodified.  The more stress you put on the engine/powertrain, the more revisions you should expect to those specs.  205F for the trans fluid may be nothing to worry about IF that consists of a few spikes here & there (such as going WOT, being stuck in slowmoving traffic occasionally, etc) and temps generally stay in the 180-190F range otherwise.  Since there is no cooling of the PTU in most instances, the less the heat transfer from the trans, the better, an indirect benefit.  Obviously Ford knows the benefits (they don't tell us all their secrets ;) ), otherwise why would the PP exist?  They have top-notch engineers.  But what engineers can design and what they are allowed to design are hardly ever the same thing in a corporate context.

As far as coolant temps, ask Torrie why he recommends the 170F TStat for "hot" tunes, or LME why they recommend the even colder 160F TStat.  Ask them what they see for normal cruising temps vs spikes.

We WANT the additive packages in the fluids to last as long as possible, no matter the interval we choose to R&R.  The SAE specs used by mfr's seems like the USDA RDA for food.  Minimum required to survive.  But if you are an athlete, that RDA is nowhere near what you require to "survive".  On top of that, you are going to pad your chances of survival by making sure your body is stocked as well as possible.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Vortech347 on September 09, 2015, 12:49:32 PM
Quote from: FoMoCoSHO on August 11, 2015, 11:23:59 PM
Like so...

What is the PID info for IAT2?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: FoMoCoSHO on September 09, 2015, 01:27:32 PM
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,3141.0.html (http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,3141.0.html)
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: ShoBoat on September 09, 2015, 01:27:40 PM
Just my 2 cents my 13 PP never goes over 95C (203 ish) even after repeated track runs around town it's always around 75C to 80C (175 ish) PTU is usually 10 degrees cooler than that other than at the track which is on par with trans temp.


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Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: ecoboostsho on September 09, 2015, 01:28:30 PM
Quote from: Vortech347 on September 09, 2015, 12:49:32 PM
Quote from: FoMoCoSHO on August 11, 2015, 11:23:59 PM
Like so...

What is the PID info for IAT2?
Manifold Charge Temperature
PID 2203CA
Equation (A-40)*1.8+32  in Deg. F
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: BiGMaC on September 09, 2015, 03:42:45 PM
Quote from: ShoBoat on September 09, 2015, 01:27:40 PM
Just my 2 cents my 13 PP never goes over 95C (203 ish) even after repeated track runs around town it's always around 75C to 80C (175 ish) PTU is usually 10 degrees cooler than that other than at the track which is on par with trans temp.
True for me in winter, but not in PHX summers with ambients over the road approaching 130.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Gray Brick on September 09, 2015, 10:18:08 PM
If I didn't have the aux transmission cooler in my other cars they would not have lasted so long.

It is amazing how quickly a quarter mile pass will heat up the fluid.
Title: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: ShoBoat on September 09, 2015, 10:59:28 PM
Quote from: BiGMaC on September 09, 2015, 03:42:45 PM
Quote from: ShoBoat on September 09, 2015, 01:27:40 PM
Just my 2 cents my 13 PP never goes over 95C (203 ish) even after repeated track runs around town it's always around 75C to 80C (175 ish) PTU is usually 10 degrees cooler than that other than at the track which is on par with trans temp.
True for me in winter, but not in PHX summers with ambients over the road approaching 130.

Lol your winter is my summer up here. We had a heat wave for the last 2 weeks and temps were only 40C (like 105F) with the humidity lol!


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Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Gray Brick on December 13, 2015, 02:58:57 AM
Does anyone know the part number for the lower temp transmission thermostat they run in the police interceptors?

Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on December 13, 2015, 09:58:57 AM
Quote from: Gray Brick on December 13, 2015, 02:58:57 AM
Does anyone know the part number for the lower temp transmission thermostat they run in the police interceptors?

I imagine its the same as the 13+ PP
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Gray Brick on December 13, 2015, 10:52:01 AM
Does anyone have a VIN to share with me that has the PP package with the factory trans cooler?

Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: SHOdded on December 13, 2015, 12:01:12 PM
Here's one, culled from the great cesspool called EBay:  1FAHP2KT3FG205979.  Or try this:  1FAHP2KT4DG177137
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Gray Brick on December 13, 2015, 05:39:28 PM
I will visit the dealer to see if they have different part numbers and what is available.
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on December 13, 2015, 05:42:08 PM
I doubt there are different ones...either you have a cooler or you don't but the stat for each would be the same
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: bpd1151 on December 13, 2015, 05:52:41 PM
Quote from: ajpturbo on December 13, 2015, 05:42:08 PM
I doubt there arw different ones...either you have a cooler or you dontbut the stat for each would be the same
Correct.

Check my "How-To" for the part number.

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Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: Wilson on December 13, 2015, 06:52:54 PM
Has anyone added a transmission cooler to a 2013+ non PP? I've yet to see this discussed.

Wilson

Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: AJP turbo on December 13, 2015, 07:10:45 PM
Quote from: Wilson on December 13, 2015, 06:52:54 PM
Has anyone added a transmission cooler to a 2013+ non PP? I've yet to see this discussed.

Wilson

Id say it's similar and super easy...was the aux cooler even available on the 10-12?
Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: bpd1151 on December 13, 2015, 09:00:15 PM
No, it was not available for the '10-'12 model years. At all. Didn't matter if it was PP equipped, or not.

I was the 1st to have retrofitted it, and the benefits therein are outlined in my "How-To".

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Title: Re: Has anyone upgraded their trans cooler?
Post by: metroplex on September 08, 2016, 05:42:11 AM
The PP retrofit is the cleanest route, but I remember the old days when we would slap on a B&M stacked plate cooler for under $100, definitely not $300+ in parts.

I increased the tcc lockup rate and reduced or eliminated desired slip, and saw trans fluid reductions of 10F up to 30F during our hottest summer days.
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