I bought a 40k tru-cool for my old truck but traded it before it was installed. I now have a CCSB 4x4 5.3 6l80e with 3.08s, HD cooling, and wondering if it even needs a tru-cool?
I've been watching my trans temps and normally I don't go much over 170-180deg and this is during the very hot summer we just had. The highest consistent temp I saw was 189-190 during an interstate drive thru the flint hills with a full load of wood in the bed. The stock suspension was sagging pretty good, it was ~105 outside and I was downshifting a lot pulling long hills, running 80mph. I haven't seen it hit 190 except for that trip.

This is a DD truck, family wagon, mainly short trips around town, some highway time on the weekends, won't ever see a track but maybe once just for fun. Stock right now, BB tuning very soon (if they respond), future holds 3.73s and a tvs1900(hope I live to see that day).

Save the cooler to install later or sell it?

 

I would personally install the cooler. I very rarely do any towing, and my truck is a 4.8 with LPP/ORY lts, 3" full exhaust, vette servo, 410s and tru trac, tuned with my tru cool 40k and I love it. Granted I have a 4l60E, but my temps stay at 130-140 i believe. Way cooler than when I didn''t have it, and I love the piece of mind I have with it as well.

 

Keep in mind that I'm not arguing your points, just trying to make the best decision.

I have read people say that you can't be "too cool" with trans temps but wasn't it designed to operate in a specific temperature range? Isn't that why it's piped through the radiator, to bring it up to temperature? So my point is, if my normal operating temp is 170-180 and 190 under the more extreme conditions this truck will see, then will it help much to run 40deg cooler?

Also, for peace of mind, will I have better piece of mind by not jacking with factory connections and leaving it as-is, or start unplugging transmission cooler lines and hope I don't pop one on the highway, leaving my family stranded, all in the name of 40deg cooler trans temperature?

Again, not argueing, just asking. Also, will a power adder increase transmission temps? If so, I may save it and install whenever (if ever) I do get a blower.

 

And thanks for responding because I really do want to hear some different opinions on this..

 

If you plan to keep it stock forever, you will be fine with the stock cooler. But, it will last longer being cooler....if thats 10 years versus 12 years remains to be seen.

 

Yes, a power adder will increase you trans temps. And I definately recommend the 40K cooler on the 6L80E, especially if you plan on running an aftermarket converter.

Typical reductions in temps are 20-40*.

 

How do you think GM (or dealer) would feel about the addition of the aftermarket cooler? Would that void a powertrain warranty? If so, I'll hold off on the installation for a bit.

Any thoughts on the bypass valve, needed or not? I live in Kansas, see extremes in temperature and weather in every direction, FYI.

 

I've never installed a bypass valve here in Alaska, and never had any problems. Transmission comes to normal operating temp just as quickly as it did with the factory cooler.

As far as the dealer's opinion, they shouldn't give you any flack about it, unless you install it in a way that makes it leak, or puts the trans cooler lines in a position that makes them rub through on something. You should probably just ask the service manager at your local dealer before hand, because that's who usually decides those things anyways.

 

Had one installed on mine and absolutely love it and would highly recommend it. Before my truck had the stall and cam and all the other work my trans temps would be around 135-145 in the city and creep up to 160-180 at the track.

After all the mods in my sig my trans temps were staying pretty consistent 160-175 on daily driving and creeping close to 190 if I really romped on it for a while.

After the 40k with all the mods I have not seen it go over 150 and that's back to back 4x4 pulls. I think 144 was the highest I have seen it get. I would highly recommend.
it.


I know our ambient outside temps are a lot colder than yours now but I was averaging around 100 with the converter locked, 6th gear going 65MPH. Very cheap and great upgrade.

I am also not running the bypass

 

NO problem at all, I too had a stock cooler, but wanted something more. My truck is the family vehicle as well for me, my wife, and 14 month old daughter, so I can see where you would have some questions. Mine has been installed for 3 months now, and not a single problem. Best investment I could make to save the life of my transmission.