Hi All I’m reading and researching the viability of deleting the heat exchanger from the system on my 2001 Modena. I understand it’s not actually a cooler but it’s job is to get the transmission to operating temperature and keep it there. I actually did look for upgraded heat exchangers and looked for a couple that were recommended in older threads, one company doesn’t make them anymore and the other company doesn’t seem to exist. I would actually feel much more confident removing the potential for fluid cross contamination by using an air over oil cooler running a thermostat. I have previously set this up on a race/road car and had no problems with it running outside optimum temps. I really like the idea of setting up a cooler and never having that little worry about the integrity of the heat exchangers insides falling apart. I do have a couple of questions 1. Is there a perfect temperature for the transmission because there are options regarding the thermostat temp you can purchase. 2. Does the trans use an oil pump for circulation? Image Unavailable, Please Login
The big question: Why? Are you using a non-yellow metal safe transaxle oil? No? Then your heat exchanger is safe. If you're paranoid about the heat exchanger rotting out on you, then just buy a stock model and have it chemically nickel plated on the oil side. That will solve the problem and keep your car OEM.
Replacing a heat exchanger isn't a big job. Cleaning up the mess once one fails is a big job. Just consider it a maintenance item, replace it every few years, and drive the car like you stole it. No muss, no fuss lol.
Question 1. I would assume the perfect temperature for the trans-cooler thermostat is around 180-190 F because that's what the coolant in the stock heat exchanger will be the majority of the time. That is the temperature that Ferrari is trying to keep the transmission at. I'm also planning to do this same job, and will probably err a bit on the side of hotter as I'd rather have the gear oil a little too hot rather than too cold. Keep in mind most manual transmissions out there do NOT have coolers at all. Q2. I assume it does, otherwise there would be no flow through the exchanger, but thats an assumption.
