How does everyone monitor trans and diff temps?
#1
Drifting
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How does everyone monitor trans and diff temps?
Curious if people are installing a gauge for each or if the instrument cluster warning signs are sufficient. Is there a sensor for both the trans and diff?
#2
Race Director
For the diff, you would have to add a sensor & all that. IMO the diff should be ok also with full syn (I favor Redline for both).
If you are talking TT or WTW that's a whole other story.
I did just start messing around with some OBD2 bluetooth "dongles" that transmit to app's on a smartphone, so you might want to ck around on that & see if PID data (wiki it) is available at the obd2 port to show you what you want. Fun stuff.
#4
Racer
I've gotten trans temps on my C6 Z06 via OBDII connections (DashLogic and another custom pid app), but never diff temps.
I don't believe there is even a diff temp sensor... I think the diff temps are considered as part of the trans temps since they "share" a cooler.
I don't believe there is even a diff temp sensor... I think the diff temps are considered as part of the trans temps since they "share" a cooler.
#7
Burning Brakes
I heard all this talk about Trans and Diff coolers and when I was rebuilding my '00 FRC into a T1 car I considered adding coolers to both. Instead I decided to run gauges to both the trans and diff so I could monitor temps and decide if I really needed coolers. Call me a fast-ish HPDE guy, running a strong LS6 on coilovers and slicks. My trans rarely climbs above 200, but the diff will hit 300 fifteen minutes into a session. The gauge maxes at 320 and it will pin by the end of a 20 min session. To verify the readings I swapped sensor leads to confirm. I used sensors from summit racing, going into custom drain plugs in both the trans and diff. So IMO, the diff is what needs to be cooled first.
Watch the video below, skip towards the end. This is the second half of a 25 min session. You can see my two temp gauges, round with silver bezels, on the panel directly above my shifter. The right is Diff, Left is Trans. Both are 320 deg gauges/sensors. If you look closely you can see the trans hovers around 200, but the diff is maxed. This was Nov in NJ, probably around 60 degrees OAT.
Watch the video below, skip towards the end. This is the second half of a 25 min session. You can see my two temp gauges, round with silver bezels, on the panel directly above my shifter. The right is Diff, Left is Trans. Both are 320 deg gauges/sensors. If you look closely you can see the trans hovers around 200, but the diff is maxed. This was Nov in NJ, probably around 60 degrees OAT.
Last edited by moespeeds; 06-30-2014 at 12:15 AM.
#8
Melting Slicks
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Moespeeds, thanks for posting. I run and A-6 on my GS and I can hit 240 fairly easily and have long suspected a diff cooler would help keep the temps down. The problem for dual duty cars (dd/hpde) is one of space to mount the cooler and for us A-6 drivers, modifying the diff itself for a cooler. Anyone know where we can buy the Z-06 differential pumps? I recall there is a vendor on CF that sells them, my bad for not bookmarking the website.
With dual duty cars and space considerations. I've been thinking about using a heat exchanger instead of a mini radiator. GM came out with the newer heat exchangers, using transmission oil to transfer the heat from the differential oil. With the A-6 already struggling with heat issues, this doesn't make sense to do. However, if the heat exchanger for the differential can be plumbed into the cooling system for the engine it might be a viable alternative especially if running an oversized/aftermarket engine radiator (I have a DeWitts).
With dual duty cars and space considerations. I've been thinking about using a heat exchanger instead of a mini radiator. GM came out with the newer heat exchangers, using transmission oil to transfer the heat from the differential oil. With the A-6 already struggling with heat issues, this doesn't make sense to do. However, if the heat exchanger for the differential can be plumbed into the cooling system for the engine it might be a viable alternative especially if running an oversized/aftermarket engine radiator (I have a DeWitts).
#9
Drifting
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I heard all this talk about Trans and Diff coolers and when I was rebuilding my '00 FRC into a T1 car I considered adding coolers to both. Instead I decided to run gauges to both the trans and diff so I could monitor temps and decide if I really needed coolers. Call me a fast-ish HPDE guy, running a strong LS6 on coilovers and slicks. My trans rarely climbs above 200, but the diff will hit 300 fifteen minutes into a session. The gauge maxes at 320 and it will pin by the end of a 20 min session. To verify the readings I swapped sensor leads to confirm. I used sensors from summit racing, going into custom drain plugs in both the trans and diff. So IMO, the diff is what needs to be cooled first.
Froggy, I am still using the stock radiator, but a good Setrab oil cooler with -12 fittings that Pumba sold me, in conjunction with an Improved Racing thermostat/ block adapter.
Last edited by Chris Edwards; 06-30-2014 at 04:47 PM.
#10
c6s have trans temp as an option on the dic - I always switch to that while driving and run everything else on the hud
on a c5 you could have the car's tune set to have the warning come on at a temp you specify if you wanted a quick and easy way to monitor whats going on...
on a c5 you could have the car's tune set to have the warning come on at a temp you specify if you wanted a quick and easy way to monitor whats going on...
#11
Drifting
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c6s have trans temp as an option on the dic - I always switch to that while driving and run everything else on the hud
on a c5 you could have the car's tune set to have the warning come on at a temp you specify if you wanted a quick and easy way to monitor whats going on...
on a c5 you could have the car's tune set to have the warning come on at a temp you specify if you wanted a quick and easy way to monitor whats going on...
I really wanted to take the car to the track as stock as possible to shake it down, but I keep reading about all the cooling problems these cars have, so I figure better safe than sorry.
#12
Race Director
My 04 stock radiator has plastic tanks, you sure yours is stock/original?
Last edited by froggy47; 06-30-2014 at 05:57 PM.
#13
I have HP Tuners, I'd assume that's something I can change easily just like fan temp settings, etc? That's fantastic! What would be a safe limit for diff temps? I'll set the warning temp to something conservative until I have time to do the diff cooler.
I really wanted to take the car to the track as stock as possible to shake it down, but I keep reading about all the cooling problems these cars have, so I figure better safe than sorry.
I really wanted to take the car to the track as stock as possible to shake it down, but I keep reading about all the cooling problems these cars have, so I figure better safe than sorry.
#16
Burning Brakes
Redline told me the fluid I'm using in the trans and Diff are both perfectly fine up to 275. They don't recommend going beyond that. Ask Froggy what Redline products I'm using, I got the info from him and I can't remember off the top of my head. I change the Diff often, every 10-15 hrs. The C5 doesn't measure diff temp, just trans, and my diff runs a full 100 degrees hotter than the trans. Keep in mind I'm running a track only car, on slicks. Your mileage may vary with street tires.
#17
Moespeeds, thanks for posting. I run and A-6 on my GS and I can hit 240 fairly easily and have long suspected a diff cooler would help keep the temps down. The problem for dual duty cars (dd/hpde) is one of space to mount the cooler and for us A-6 drivers, modifying the diff itself for a cooler. Anyone know where we can buy the Z-06 differential pumps? I recall there is a vendor on CF that sells them, my bad for not bookmarking the website.
With dual duty cars and space considerations. I've been thinking about using a heat exchanger instead of a mini radiator. GM came out with the newer heat exchangers, using transmission oil to transfer the heat from the differential oil. With the A-6 already struggling with heat issues, this doesn't make sense to do. However, if the heat exchanger for the differential can be plumbed into the cooling system for the engine it might be a viable alternative especially if running an oversized/aftermarket engine radiator (I have a DeWitts).
With dual duty cars and space considerations. I've been thinking about using a heat exchanger instead of a mini radiator. GM came out with the newer heat exchangers, using transmission oil to transfer the heat from the differential oil. With the A-6 already struggling with heat issues, this doesn't make sense to do. However, if the heat exchanger for the differential can be plumbed into the cooling system for the engine it might be a viable alternative especially if running an oversized/aftermarket engine radiator (I have a DeWitts).
http://turbowerx.com/Scavenge_Pumps/.../Exa-Pump.html
#18
Drifting
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Ive always wanted to cool my diff and draining that sucker with a pump is a pain. Was thinking of tapping out a drain plug and putting an old coolant sensor I had into the hole.
Why are these fluid pumps so much money? $400 to move a little oil? Isnt there anything around $100? I think even the smallest heat exchanger on a rear diff would make a huge difference seeing how it has nothing, even fins, right now on my c4.... I guess to monitor temps and pump I would need to tap 3 holes. Hope there isnt a clearance issue.
Why are these fluid pumps so much money? $400 to move a little oil? Isnt there anything around $100? I think even the smallest heat exchanger on a rear diff would make a huge difference seeing how it has nothing, even fins, right now on my c4.... I guess to monitor temps and pump I would need to tap 3 holes. Hope there isnt a clearance issue.
#19
Race Director
Ive always wanted to cool my diff and draining that sucker with a pump is a pain. Was thinking of tapping out a drain plug and putting an old coolant sensor I had into the hole.
Why are these fluid pumps so much money? $400 to move a little oil? Isnt there anything around $100? I think even the smallest heat exchanger on a rear diff would make a huge difference seeing how it has nothing, even fins, right now on my c4.... I guess to monitor temps and pump I would need to tap 3 holes. Hope there isnt a clearance issue.
Why are these fluid pumps so much money? $400 to move a little oil? Isnt there anything around $100? I think even the smallest heat exchanger on a rear diff would make a huge difference seeing how it has nothing, even fins, right now on my c4.... I guess to monitor temps and pump I would need to tap 3 holes. Hope there isnt a clearance issue.
#20
If your car is a garage queen and occassionally auto crossed maybe you could get by with your diaphragm pump but any serious track use will require a pump that uses GEARS to pump oil. This motor is rated to 10,000hrs of use with the ability to be rebuilt and brushes are replaceable. I blew my diff on track at 100 mph and can tell you the extra $300 is worth it to me to not go through that again not to mention the expense and lost track time. It happened on lap #5 of my 1st session. I not only lost my $275 for track day, plus $175 towing, plus repair bills..... and Weeks in shop missing out driving my car, etc... Seems like cheap insurance to pay for durable quality product.
C5Z06CE
By the way here is a source to explain why gear motors are better. This guy is a bit arrogant and has a bit of a chip on his shoulders but if you filter through that he has some good stuff to teach.
http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/oilsystems.htm
Last edited by C5Z06CE; 07-21-2014 at 11:14 PM.