thunderstruck
This message exists only to take up space.
Some of you guys know I just had a GM SRTA (transmission and converter) put into my Avalanche a few weeks ago. It has a 3-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Now, even though the Avalanche has some kind of factory towing package, it doesn't have an auxiliary transmission oil cooler, it's just cooled by the radiator.
On the other hand, my 95 does have a factory auxiliary cooler.
Both trucks have trans temp gauges. To keep this post short and to the point, I'll just say that so far, the Avalanche keeps the trans temp under control... but man, the 95 stays so much cooler. The temps I saw towing my 6x10 trailer and ATV with my Avalanche in 70F weather are close to what I've seen towing heavier loads in the middle of the summer with my 95.
I really want to install a transmission oil cooler, but I want to do it without screwing over my warranty. Knowing how some dealerships are, I could see them giving me a hassle over installing an oil cooler myself, even though it would've been actively helping the transmission's lifespan.
I'm almost set on going with GM's cooler kit (part no. 12497071), which supposedly is the same thing that would've been factory installed. It is literally plug-and-play, bolt the cooler up, remove the old return line, install the new ones. It is a bit on the small side, but the one on my 95 can't be much bigger, and does a great job. I could go with an aftermarket unit that is larger and/or cheaper, but I'd also have to fab up mounting brackets, and cut & flare the factory hard lines.
So, my dilemma here is :
- Pay the dealership to install the cooler for me and avoid possible warranty hassles, OR...
- Save the money I could certainly put to better use somewhere else and install the cooler myself.
Now that I typed all this, I think I have my mind made up, but I'll run it by you guys anyways.
Now, even though the Avalanche has some kind of factory towing package, it doesn't have an auxiliary transmission oil cooler, it's just cooled by the radiator.
On the other hand, my 95 does have a factory auxiliary cooler. Both trucks have trans temp gauges. To keep this post short and to the point, I'll just say that so far, the Avalanche keeps the trans temp under control... but man, the 95 stays so much cooler. The temps I saw towing my 6x10 trailer and ATV with my Avalanche in 70F weather are close to what I've seen towing heavier loads in the middle of the summer with my 95.
I really want to install a transmission oil cooler, but I want to do it without screwing over my warranty. Knowing how some dealerships are, I could see them giving me a hassle over installing an oil cooler myself, even though it would've been actively helping the transmission's lifespan.
I'm almost set on going with GM's cooler kit (part no. 12497071), which supposedly is the same thing that would've been factory installed. It is literally plug-and-play, bolt the cooler up, remove the old return line, install the new ones. It is a bit on the small side, but the one on my 95 can't be much bigger, and does a great job. I could go with an aftermarket unit that is larger and/or cheaper, but I'd also have to fab up mounting brackets, and cut & flare the factory hard lines.
So, my dilemma here is :
- Pay the dealership to install the cooler for me and avoid possible warranty hassles, OR...
- Save the money I could certainly put to better use somewhere else and install the cooler myself.
Now that I typed all this, I think I have my mind made up, but I'll run it by you guys anyways.
