I've had my transmission temperature gauge in now for about two weeks, and here's what I've found.

First, it takes a long time (at least 20 minutes of steady driving) to heat up to nominal operating temperature, which is about 220 F.

2nd, the temp hovers 5-10 degrees higher than the oil temperature. Under very hard driving, it will reach 235 to 240 degrees, but no higher. No doubt, there is much heat transfer from the engine and clutch, so that it's close to oil temp is not a surprise.

3rd, there appears, at least so far, to be no relationship between trans temp and the grind I occassionally get on 1-2 shifts. In fact, the grinds have almost gone away since I switched to the GM fluid.

I'm switching soon to the Neo synthetic tranny oil, so I'll report results after that's been put in.

 

220F is the normal operating temp? It takes about 10 minutes for me to feel that the tranny is up to normal temps.

The flash point for the GM spec fluid is near 385F so does this mean it can take the heat?

Rick, let us know about the Neo fluid when you try it. I am always looking for anything to improve the feel of the tranny.

 

Rick,

Where did you install the trans temp sender?

 

We machined out the center of drain plug and screwed it in there.