m3smgii2002

For those of you who road cace their TLs (with the auto sport shift) could you let us know what the best auto tranny fluid is for actual racing.? Last time I was at an open lapping session and pacing a few Corvettes (have a cool video where I pass a Z06 on track out) the tranny stopped shifting after about 30mins into lapping a 12 turn 2.2 mile track (about 10 shifts per lap for 200 shifts per session). After letting the tranny cool down, it started to function again but I want it to stop overheating. My brake fluid also boiled and set off the ABS sensor but that was easily fixed by resetting the ECU. So, would y'all recommend RedLine for the AT and DOT3 for the brakes? Thats the setup I use for my real race car (200hp/l DSM) but I am curious what other racers have had success with!

Thanks,

-Malcolm

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

I'm running Honda ATF Z1 and ran at an HPDE at Mid-America Motorplex a few weeks ago. Approximately 2.3-mile course, and ran for a total of just under 2 hours with cool-down period between each session (4 sessions altogether per day.. 2-day event).

At the end of the day, there was a delay in the transmission engagement, but it was okay after it cooled down. I would recommend getting a transmission fluid cooler, rather than just change the fluid. It's the heat that's causing the problem.

As for the brakes, go with DOT 5.1. I'm running ATE Super Blue and it has never boiled on me once.

m3smgii2002

break down the seals in the brake system?

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Yes, DOT 5 contains silicon and it will eat through the seals. However, DOT 5.1 will not.

Pro Stock John

You guys running trans coolers?

I run a 28,000 GVW B&M race trans cooler in my 98 Formula, handles 754wrhp.

I used to run a smaller 19,000 cooler and it did fine.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

I'm actually thinking about getting one very soon. At the end of the day at HPDE, my transmission was so hot that there was a full 2-second delay in gear engagement; and that was with fresh transmission fluid. Since I will be doing more track days in the coming future, I will most certainly get a transmission cooler.

There was a claim that the later year second generation TLs and third generation TLs came equipped with a transmission cooler from the factory, but I have yet to find it although I spend a lot of time under my car. Honestly, I've never gone under just to find the cooler, but I just haven't seen it yet. But the point is that even if there were one, it's obviously not adequate enough for the task, most notably when you're driving your car very hard like some of us do.

Comptech makes a transmission cooler for just a bit over 100 dollars, but I heard it's the same as a B&M one, just with different hoses; and supposedly you can get one from Summit for half the price. I'm going to look into this, and just get new hoses for a few bucks at Home Depot.

Pro Stock John

With my Firebird, it's been running 11.6 or better since 2000. Up until 2004 I ran a stock but rebuilt 4L60E transmission (4AT). I always have used a trans cooler.

I wonder if you can buy a scanner for the TL, and use it to scan trans temps. Generally speaking, with the GM stuff, you wanted to be below 200F, and anything over 250F was problematic. I keep the bird between 150-180F so the trans will last longer. 150F is a lil' cool for a street car.