What brand of trans coolers are you guys using?
If you have a box to keep the torque converter locked, then the factory coolers work just fine! With my tight triple disc and the old DTT 89% converters, stop and go traffic is the only issue. I have a probe in the output line and one in the pan. Pan hardly ever moves the gauge, which means the coolers are working well.
I tend to take it out of gear at stop lights!!!
SNOKING
I have the ATS triple disc convertor, and lockup controller. Never ever an over temp under any load. Set your controller to lockup at 35MPH and forget having to mess with the od switch. The controller locks up at 35 MPH and stays locked up unless you actuate the od switch. Another advantage is staying locked up down steep grades, including second gear. My temps run 120-160.
The OP has a standard trans.
What do you do to achieve lock up in 2nd gear?
I don't have a manual trans. (The OP does)
I was just curious if you achieve lock up via a controller or the home brew method of blocking off the port in the VB.
mIf you (OP) have a manual trans? You might want to concider this, see pics.
I keep an eye on temps and turn on the pump when I see it gets close to 170*F, the cooler has a thermo bypass which helps keep it at the proper temperature. It is for an automatic, that pumps oil continuously and the coolers Thermo bypass diverts the oil around the cooler allowing them to warm up to 180*F, then fully closes the bypass. I haven't changed the filter yet but I've only got 1000 miles on the setup. With the pump running my trans runs at around 150* to 180* depending on ambient temps. I'm not the first member to do this on TDR, but I improved on the system.That is a nice setup. Can you provide a parts list? How often do you change the filter? Do you have it temp controlled or does it run constantly?
Jeff