Expanded Discussion on Auxillary ATF Cooler
11-20-2007, 06:02 AM
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Expanded Discussion on Auxillary ATF Cooler
Hello friends,
Since last week, I've been the proud owner of a new 6AT. I've spent some time trawling the net reading up about the 8 and AT related issues. There's been quite a bit of discussion here (and elsewhere) on auxillary ATF coolers and I hope this thread will expand ongoing discussions on something important to owners of AT 8s.
Please allow me to first set the context for my post. I do intend to keep my AT 8 as stock as I can - the whole reason why I got the 8 in the first place is because I loved the car's basic attributes (despite assiduously trying to adhere to Racing Beat's reccomendations on running-in the car, it simply loves to rev and I've inadvertently hit 4-5000 rpms on a few occasions!). Of course, once I've run it in, you can be sure I'm going to try to get the most out of my ride (heh). But no CAI and pods for me, no T/C, etc. Heck, I',m not even going to upgrade my stock 16" rims. I've had some experience with my previous ride with a couple of performance upgrades like forced induction/aircharger but have ultimately decided to just stick with an unadulterated 8 and enjoy it to the max (must be getting more mellow with age).
Thank you for reading on so far...here come my questions:
There appears to be a general consensus across various regional and international car forums that auxillary ATF coolers are a desirable supplemental mod for cars with auto trannies. Given Singapore's tropical clime and start-stop city driving conditions, it seems that an auxillary ATF cooler is a pretty sound idea to prolong the lifespan of our auto trannies and our AT 8s.
However, based on some discussions I've read elsewhere, it also seems that the stock ATF cooler for most auto tranny cars is sufficient for city driving and even occasional hard driving (redlining I presume?). Since I don't intend to track/race my 8 nor do any extensive aftermarket performance mods, is an auxillary ATF cooler without a thermostat ultimately that useful? Will a stock 6AT produce heat that's seriously damaging to the tranny in the long run?? Especially since it's been pointed out that ATF fluid works on viscosity and 'cooler' fluid might mean less ATF fluidity that might mean more sluggish tranny shifting as well as possibly affect warming up temperature detected by the ECU and may make it think the engine is still 'cold'. Moreover, while the car is moving, the ECU may not cool the tranny even when its actual heat level is high as it thinks its still 'cool' due to movement of the car, which may lead to problems like overheating. Of course, I must add that the above information was derived from discussion on cars that are not performance-oriented/bona fide sports cars like the 8. And I may not have understood the information correctly as I'm not that technically inclined.
I also understand that some of the peeps here have installed Hayden ATF coolers...but when I took a look at the Hayden catalogue off its official website, there isn't an aftermarket ATF cooler matched for the 8. How suitable is the Hayden then? Has anyone out there conducted a long-term test?
Really love my 8 and I intend to keep it for the next 5-10 years at least. If an auxillary ATF cooler will help to extend the lifespan of my auto tranny and my ride, then its the one mod I want to do, especially with the constant gear shifts of the 6AT.
I hope that anyone with experience on the above issues will give some in-depth commentary on the issue, and at the same time, expand our knowledge on ATs/ATF coolers and help AT 8 owners take better care of their rides. My gratitude goes out to you in advance.
Cheers!
Wildchilde
Since last week, I've been the proud owner of a new 6AT. I've spent some time trawling the net reading up about the 8 and AT related issues. There's been quite a bit of discussion here (and elsewhere) on auxillary ATF coolers and I hope this thread will expand ongoing discussions on something important to owners of AT 8s.
Please allow me to first set the context for my post. I do intend to keep my AT 8 as stock as I can - the whole reason why I got the 8 in the first place is because I loved the car's basic attributes (despite assiduously trying to adhere to Racing Beat's reccomendations on running-in the car, it simply loves to rev and I've inadvertently hit 4-5000 rpms on a few occasions!). Of course, once I've run it in, you can be sure I'm going to try to get the most out of my ride (heh). But no CAI and pods for me, no T/C, etc. Heck, I',m not even going to upgrade my stock 16" rims. I've had some experience with my previous ride with a couple of performance upgrades like forced induction/aircharger but have ultimately decided to just stick with an unadulterated 8 and enjoy it to the max (must be getting more mellow with age).
Thank you for reading on so far...here come my questions:
There appears to be a general consensus across various regional and international car forums that auxillary ATF coolers are a desirable supplemental mod for cars with auto trannies. Given Singapore's tropical clime and start-stop city driving conditions, it seems that an auxillary ATF cooler is a pretty sound idea to prolong the lifespan of our auto trannies and our AT 8s.
However, based on some discussions I've read elsewhere, it also seems that the stock ATF cooler for most auto tranny cars is sufficient for city driving and even occasional hard driving (redlining I presume?). Since I don't intend to track/race my 8 nor do any extensive aftermarket performance mods, is an auxillary ATF cooler without a thermostat ultimately that useful? Will a stock 6AT produce heat that's seriously damaging to the tranny in the long run?? Especially since it's been pointed out that ATF fluid works on viscosity and 'cooler' fluid might mean less ATF fluidity that might mean more sluggish tranny shifting as well as possibly affect warming up temperature detected by the ECU and may make it think the engine is still 'cold'. Moreover, while the car is moving, the ECU may not cool the tranny even when its actual heat level is high as it thinks its still 'cool' due to movement of the car, which may lead to problems like overheating. Of course, I must add that the above information was derived from discussion on cars that are not performance-oriented/bona fide sports cars like the 8. And I may not have understood the information correctly as I'm not that technically inclined.
I also understand that some of the peeps here have installed Hayden ATF coolers...but when I took a look at the Hayden catalogue off its official website, there isn't an aftermarket ATF cooler matched for the 8. How suitable is the Hayden then? Has anyone out there conducted a long-term test?
Really love my 8 and I intend to keep it for the next 5-10 years at least. If an auxillary ATF cooler will help to extend the lifespan of my auto tranny and my ride, then its the one mod I want to do, especially with the constant gear shifts of the 6AT.
I hope that anyone with experience on the above issues will give some in-depth commentary on the issue, and at the same time, expand our knowledge on ATs/ATF coolers and help AT 8 owners take better care of their rides. My gratitude goes out to you in advance.
Cheers!
Wildchilde
11-21-2007, 02:18 AM
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http://rxreviews.wordpress.com its reviewed there, or do a search in this forum
11-21-2007, 03:53 AM
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Hello friends,
Since last week, I've been the proud owner of a new 6AT. I've spent some time trawling the net reading up about the 8 and AT related issues. There's been quite a bit of discussion here (and elsewhere) on auxillary ATF coolers and I hope this thread will expand ongoing discussions on something important to owners of AT 8s.
Please allow me to first set the context for my post. I do intend to keep my AT 8 as stock as I can - the whole reason why I got the 8 in the first place is because I loved the car's basic attributes (despite assiduously trying to adhere to Racing Beat's reccomendations on running-in the car, it simply loves to rev and I've inadvertently hit 4-5000 rpms on a few occasions!). Of course, once I've run it in, you can be sure I'm going to try to get the most out of my ride (heh). But no CAI and pods for me, no T/C, etc. Heck, I',m not even going to upgrade my stock 16" rims. I've had some experience with my previous ride with a couple of performance upgrades like forced induction/aircharger but have ultimately decided to just stick with an unadulterated 8 and enjoy it to the max (must be getting more mellow with age).
Thank you for reading on so far...here come my questions:
There appears to be a general consensus across various regional and international car forums that auxillary ATF coolers are a desirable supplemental mod for cars with auto trannies. Given Singapore's tropical clime and start-stop city driving conditions, it seems that an auxillary ATF cooler is a pretty sound idea to prolong the lifespan of our auto trannies and our AT 8s.
However, based on some discussions I've read elsewhere, it also seems that the stock ATF cooler for most auto tranny cars is sufficient for city driving and even occasional hard driving (redlining I presume?). Since I don't intend to track/race my 8 nor do any extensive aftermarket performance mods, is an auxillary ATF cooler without a thermostat ultimately that useful? Will a stock 6AT produce heat that's seriously damaging to the tranny in the long run?? Especially since it's been pointed out that ATF fluid works on viscosity and 'cooler' fluid might mean less ATF fluidity that might mean more sluggish tranny shifting as well as possibly affect warming up temperature detected by the ECU and may make it think the engine is still 'cold'. Moreover, while the car is moving, the ECU may not cool the tranny even when its actual heat level is high as it thinks its still 'cool' due to movement of the car, which may lead to problems like overheating. Of course, I must add that the above information was derived from discussion on cars that are not performance-oriented/bona fide sports cars like the 8. And I may not have understood the information correctly as I'm not that technically inclined.
I also understand that some of the peeps here have installed Hayden ATF coolers...but when I took a look at the Hayden catalogue off its official website, there isn't an aftermarket ATF cooler matched for the 8. How suitable is the Hayden then? Has anyone out there conducted a long-term test?
Really love my 8 and I intend to keep it for the next 5-10 years at least. If an auxillary ATF cooler will help to extend the lifespan of my auto tranny and my ride, then its the one mod I want to do, especially with the constant gear shifts of the 6AT.
I hope that anyone with experience on the above issues will give some in-depth commentary on the issue, and at the same time, expand our knowledge on ATs/ATF coolers and help AT 8 owners take better care of their rides. My gratitude goes out to you in advance.
Cheers!
Wildchilde
Since last week, I've been the proud owner of a new 6AT. I've spent some time trawling the net reading up about the 8 and AT related issues. There's been quite a bit of discussion here (and elsewhere) on auxillary ATF coolers and I hope this thread will expand ongoing discussions on something important to owners of AT 8s.
Please allow me to first set the context for my post. I do intend to keep my AT 8 as stock as I can - the whole reason why I got the 8 in the first place is because I loved the car's basic attributes (despite assiduously trying to adhere to Racing Beat's reccomendations on running-in the car, it simply loves to rev and I've inadvertently hit 4-5000 rpms on a few occasions!). Of course, once I've run it in, you can be sure I'm going to try to get the most out of my ride (heh). But no CAI and pods for me, no T/C, etc. Heck, I',m not even going to upgrade my stock 16" rims. I've had some experience with my previous ride with a couple of performance upgrades like forced induction/aircharger but have ultimately decided to just stick with an unadulterated 8 and enjoy it to the max (must be getting more mellow with age).
Thank you for reading on so far...here come my questions:
There appears to be a general consensus across various regional and international car forums that auxillary ATF coolers are a desirable supplemental mod for cars with auto trannies. Given Singapore's tropical clime and start-stop city driving conditions, it seems that an auxillary ATF cooler is a pretty sound idea to prolong the lifespan of our auto trannies and our AT 8s.
However, based on some discussions I've read elsewhere, it also seems that the stock ATF cooler for most auto tranny cars is sufficient for city driving and even occasional hard driving (redlining I presume?). Since I don't intend to track/race my 8 nor do any extensive aftermarket performance mods, is an auxillary ATF cooler without a thermostat ultimately that useful? Will a stock 6AT produce heat that's seriously damaging to the tranny in the long run?? Especially since it's been pointed out that ATF fluid works on viscosity and 'cooler' fluid might mean less ATF fluidity that might mean more sluggish tranny shifting as well as possibly affect warming up temperature detected by the ECU and may make it think the engine is still 'cold'. Moreover, while the car is moving, the ECU may not cool the tranny even when its actual heat level is high as it thinks its still 'cool' due to movement of the car, which may lead to problems like overheating. Of course, I must add that the above information was derived from discussion on cars that are not performance-oriented/bona fide sports cars like the 8. And I may not have understood the information correctly as I'm not that technically inclined.
I also understand that some of the peeps here have installed Hayden ATF coolers...but when I took a look at the Hayden catalogue off its official website, there isn't an aftermarket ATF cooler matched for the 8. How suitable is the Hayden then? Has anyone out there conducted a long-term test?
Really love my 8 and I intend to keep it for the next 5-10 years at least. If an auxillary ATF cooler will help to extend the lifespan of my auto tranny and my ride, then its the one mod I want to do, especially with the constant gear shifts of the 6AT.
I hope that anyone with experience on the above issues will give some in-depth commentary on the issue, and at the same time, expand our knowledge on ATs/ATF coolers and help AT 8 owners take better care of their rides. My gratitude goes out to you in advance.
Cheers!
Wildchilde
Staying stock, u cannot enjoy the total fun of the car...
ATF cooler is good to have and its inexpensive...
11-21-2007, 03:57 AM
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http://rxreviews.wordpress.com its reviewed there, or do a search in this forum
Your review appears on several internet searches I've done and I've read it before my post. I'm well aware that it exists. However, its not that extensive...the actual product feedback you did was only a few lines based on initial perception, was hoping to expand discussion on the issue and get a broader technical perspective after users have had it for awhile. How's your ride holding up so far in the long run after it was installed?
Anyone else with auxillary ATF coolers care to comment? Does it now take you longer to warm up your 8s? Any quirks/potential issues observed after you installed it?
11-21-2007, 04:14 AM
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Hi coupe07,
Please pardon my lack of technical expertise. That's why I'm trying to find out more about stuff...and tinkered quite a bit with my previous ride.
Anyways, my ricer boy days are over...just don't see the point when I already hit the LOW LOW speed limit on Singapore roads after depressing the accelarator for awhile on the 8. Its not as if we have autobahns. Well, that's just a personal preference.
Cost has never been an issue. But why is it good to have, given how some people who know their stuff seem to be divided over it? Care to comment on the issues I raised in my original post? (Once again, kindly pardon my lack of technical expertise if I got something wrong). That would be much appreciated, given your technical know-how. So far, most owners say its good, etc., without rigorous supporting evidence. If I'm sold, I'll definitely pay you a visit in the near future.
11-21-2007, 04:52 AM
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ALL AT trannys, no matter what the engine power, run hotter than manuals. The 4AT utilizes the tried and tested FD tranny, while the 6AT shares the MX5's. the bottomline is that cooling - no matter for the engine, tranny or other parts, is always a case of the more the merrier. Heat disintegrates and causes metal components to lose their integrity over time.
In the 8 ATs, the main radiator is hooked up for a double job - to cool both the rad water and the ATF fluid. This is an easy and cost effective method from a manufacturer's standpoint, but is not ideal.
You should install an and additional ATF cooler in your spare lobang since ATs only have 1 oil cooler. Additionally, you should try and use the best possible ATF fluid that is proven for high temperatures - i personally use Redline.
The cost of an ATF vs peace of mind is a no brainer.
I cannot tell you if an ATF has improved my ride or not - that's not directly measurable. But the whole gamut of the ATF cooler, proper fluids, regular servicing, carbon clearing - has resulted in one of the better engine compression test figures when i did the test a few weeks back.
In the 8 ATs, the main radiator is hooked up for a double job - to cool both the rad water and the ATF fluid. This is an easy and cost effective method from a manufacturer's standpoint, but is not ideal.
You should install an and additional ATF cooler in your spare lobang since ATs only have 1 oil cooler. Additionally, you should try and use the best possible ATF fluid that is proven for high temperatures - i personally use Redline.
The cost of an ATF vs peace of mind is a no brainer.
I cannot tell you if an ATF has improved my ride or not - that's not directly measurable. But the whole gamut of the ATF cooler, proper fluids, regular servicing, carbon clearing - has resulted in one of the better engine compression test figures when i did the test a few weeks back.
11-21-2007, 06:15 AM
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[/color]
Hi coupe07,
Please pardon my lack of technical expertise. That's why I'm trying to find out more about stuff...and tinkered quite a bit with my previous ride.
Anyways, my ricer boy days are over...just don't see the point when I already hit the LOW LOW speed limit on Singapore roads after depressing the accelarator for awhile on the 8. Its not as if we have autobahns. Well, that's just a personal preference.
Cost has never been an issue. But why is it good to have, given how some people who know their stuff seem to be divided over it? Care to comment on the issues I raised in my original post? (Once again, kindly pardon my lack of technical expertise if I got something wrong). That would be much appreciated, given your technical know-how. So far, most owners say its good, etc., without rigorous supporting evidence. If I'm sold, I'll definitely pay you a visit in the near future.
Hi coupe07,
Please pardon my lack of technical expertise. That's why I'm trying to find out more about stuff...and tinkered quite a bit with my previous ride.
Anyways, my ricer boy days are over...just don't see the point when I already hit the LOW LOW speed limit on Singapore roads after depressing the accelarator for awhile on the 8. Its not as if we have autobahns. Well, that's just a personal preference.
Cost has never been an issue. But why is it good to have, given how some people who know their stuff seem to be divided over it? Care to comment on the issues I raised in my original post? (Once again, kindly pardon my lack of technical expertise if I got something wrong). That would be much appreciated, given your technical know-how. So far, most owners say its good, etc., without rigorous supporting evidence. If I'm sold, I'll definitely pay you a visit in the near future.
being ricer is one thing... cos ricer primarily is to look good only, effective or nt is another... for me, i dun advocate ricer. Car no necesary need to look nice, but must be safe and effective. Wats the point of looking good but the moment take one corner u buang, agree?
Its good that cost is nvr an issue, becos genuine parts for the rx8 are generally on the high side as compared to parts for the WRX for example or the civics.
As for ur ATF issues, gfoo will be able to answer u.. and a thorough one at that too... if 1 person says its good, maybe u r not convinced. IF 10 persons tell u that its good, i tink u dun have to be convinced..the sheer number shld be able to convince u oredi...
y i say staying stock u wun enjoy the car fully?? Becos the car is a very fun car, only if u start to mod... and i mean the serious toys and not those small little toys from taiwan that bluff u to believe that it works...
11-21-2007, 12:40 PM
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ALL AT trannys, no matter what the engine power, run hotter than manuals. The 4AT utilizes the tried and tested FD tranny, while the 6AT shares the MX5's. the bottomline is that cooling - no matter for the engine, tranny or other parts, is always a case of the more the merrier. Heat disintegrates and causes metal components to lose their integrity over time.
In the 8 ATs, the main radiator is hooked up for a double job - to cool both the rad water and the ATF fluid. This is an easy and cost effective method from a manufacturer's standpoint, but is not ideal.
You should install an and additional ATF cooler in your spare lobang since ATs only have 1 oil cooler. Additionally, you should try and use the best possible ATF fluid that is proven for high temperatures - i personally use Redline.
The cost of an ATF vs peace of mind is a no brainer.
I cannot tell you if an ATF has improved my ride or not - that's not directly measurable. But the whole gamut of the ATF cooler, proper fluids, regular servicing, carbon clearing - has resulted in one of the better engine compression test figures when i did the test a few weeks back.
In the 8 ATs, the main radiator is hooked up for a double job - to cool both the rad water and the ATF fluid. This is an easy and cost effective method from a manufacturer's standpoint, but is not ideal.
You should install an and additional ATF cooler in your spare lobang since ATs only have 1 oil cooler. Additionally, you should try and use the best possible ATF fluid that is proven for high temperatures - i personally use Redline.
The cost of an ATF vs peace of mind is a no brainer.
I cannot tell you if an ATF has improved my ride or not - that's not directly measurable. But the whole gamut of the ATF cooler, proper fluids, regular servicing, carbon clearing - has resulted in one of the better engine compression test figures when i did the test a few weeks back.
Obviously, the 8 is a performance car that generates considerable amounts of heat, and as you point out, is not optimally equipped to dissipate it. But what got me thinking about the ATF cooler issue and try to get more discussion going was something I read from another forum recently. It doesn't really apply to the 8 but I just wanted some cross-referencing as well as more insight on the issue since good information and consumer reviews are hard to come by (if I seem very 'ngeow', its an occupational hazard lah and I hope everyone here understands - am involved in research/tertiary philosophy education and my job involves a high degree of scepticism on my part).
I've included the link to the other forum thread that I stumbled across if anyone wants to read it and share their thoughts on it. Even if it doesn't apply that much to the 8, its still interesting nonetheless. Pages 2-3 are the most relevant ones to the ATF issue:
http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/fit-j...on-cooler.html
One last thing, you said that you experienced better engine compression. At the end of the day, I'm not that interested in maxing out performance, more in a viable means of maintaining the tranny lifespan of my AT 8. Simple things keep me happy these days. But I'm curious though -- when you say "better compression figures", are you referring to a higher compression ratio? Understand that there's a higher risk of engine knocking with higher compression ratios (of course I'm assuming that better = higher).
Cheers mate!
Last edited by wildchilde; 11-21-2007 at 12:42 PM.
11-21-2007, 01:28 PM
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Geeeez, dude, hope I didn't come across as being antagonistic...just trying to learn more, that's all. Hope I didn't rub you the wrong way or something. No hard feelings mate.
Hope we can agree to disagree on some things...not looking for a fight. Peace be with ya.
When u said tinker with ur previous ride, wats ur previous?? u need to noe the rx8 is not the same as most cas out i the mkt. Most tings from other cars will not work OR make the car worse when u install on this car... tonysg is the best person to tell u this cos he has been there n done that...
being ricer is one thing... cos ricer primarily is to look good only, effective or nt is another... for me, i dun advocate ricer. Car no necesary need to look nice, but must be safe and effective. Wats the point of looking good but the moment take one corner u buang, agree?
Ha ha. Let's not rake up the past...I was definitely much more immature and did mods with minimal discussion and research. Some worked, others made things worse, and caused things like radiator leakage and my car nearly overheated. Blindly followed what people posted on forums and poison coursed through my veins, ultimately to my detriment (some members of other forums and even some mechanics sounded like experts, but clearly that wasn't the case).
Clearly, I'm aware that the 8 is a very different species of car, being the only production rotary model at the moment, amongst other things. That's the whole reason why I even started this thread in the first place - to find out what works well for the 8/is compatible with it.
Its good that cost is nvr an issue, becos genuine parts for the rx8 are generally on the high side as compared to parts for the WRX for example or the civics.
Yups, glad you agree with me on this one. Even small original accessories are pretty pricey! But Hayden didn't make a ATF cooler with the 8 in mind (like I mentioned previously, their latest PDF brochure on their site indicates "blank" when it came to the 8), so was just concerned about compatibility issues lah.
As for ur ATF issues, gfoo will be able to answer u.. and a thorough one at that too... if 1 person says its good, maybe u r not convinced. IF 10 persons tell u that its good, i tink u dun have to be convinced..the sheer number shld be able to convince u oredi...
Gfoo did answer my questions to some extent, but there's still a lot for me to learn. And the majority isn't necessarily always right. 100 one liner statements on how good something is based on perception/hearsay just doesn't hold water compared to a single good piece of market research or consumer report. But I'm not here to argue with you on this lah. My bad for being so 'ngeow'...
y i say staying stock u wun enjoy the car fully?? Becos the car is a very fun car, only if u start to mod... and i mean the serious toys and not those small little toys from taiwan that bluff u to believe that it works...
Again, totally agree with you on authentic mods and hold the taiwan devices and rims in low regard - they're mostly rubbish in my opinion. Also agree that its a very fun car...I've yet to fully run in my AT 8 and its suprising me everyday with what it can do. But still staying more or less stock for the immediate future lah, the most important thing to me right now is not enhanced HP - think the 8 has more than enough to make me happy for now, although better handling (not power) may be an option for me once I get to know my 8 better. If it wasn't a sexy and fun car I wouldn't have gotten the 8 in the first place, but most important is preserving the lifespan of the auto tranny. Guess I'm more of a "Car and Driver Magazine" kind of person in my current incarnation rather than a "Hot Stuff Magazine" kind of person.
being ricer is one thing... cos ricer primarily is to look good only, effective or nt is another... for me, i dun advocate ricer. Car no necesary need to look nice, but must be safe and effective. Wats the point of looking good but the moment take one corner u buang, agree?
Ha ha. Let's not rake up the past...I was definitely much more immature and did mods with minimal discussion and research. Some worked, others made things worse, and caused things like radiator leakage and my car nearly overheated. Blindly followed what people posted on forums and poison coursed through my veins, ultimately to my detriment (some members of other forums and even some mechanics sounded like experts, but clearly that wasn't the case).
Clearly, I'm aware that the 8 is a very different species of car, being the only production rotary model at the moment, amongst other things. That's the whole reason why I even started this thread in the first place - to find out what works well for the 8/is compatible with it.
Its good that cost is nvr an issue, becos genuine parts for the rx8 are generally on the high side as compared to parts for the WRX for example or the civics.
Yups, glad you agree with me on this one. Even small original accessories are pretty pricey! But Hayden didn't make a ATF cooler with the 8 in mind (like I mentioned previously, their latest PDF brochure on their site indicates "blank" when it came to the 8), so was just concerned about compatibility issues lah.
As for ur ATF issues, gfoo will be able to answer u.. and a thorough one at that too... if 1 person says its good, maybe u r not convinced. IF 10 persons tell u that its good, i tink u dun have to be convinced..the sheer number shld be able to convince u oredi...
Gfoo did answer my questions to some extent, but there's still a lot for me to learn. And the majority isn't necessarily always right. 100 one liner statements on how good something is based on perception/hearsay just doesn't hold water compared to a single good piece of market research or consumer report. But I'm not here to argue with you on this lah. My bad for being so 'ngeow'...
y i say staying stock u wun enjoy the car fully?? Becos the car is a very fun car, only if u start to mod... and i mean the serious toys and not those small little toys from taiwan that bluff u to believe that it works...
Again, totally agree with you on authentic mods and hold the taiwan devices and rims in low regard - they're mostly rubbish in my opinion. Also agree that its a very fun car...I've yet to fully run in my AT 8 and its suprising me everyday with what it can do. But still staying more or less stock for the immediate future lah, the most important thing to me right now is not enhanced HP - think the 8 has more than enough to make me happy for now, although better handling (not power) may be an option for me once I get to know my 8 better. If it wasn't a sexy and fun car I wouldn't have gotten the 8 in the first place, but most important is preserving the lifespan of the auto tranny. Guess I'm more of a "Car and Driver Magazine" kind of person in my current incarnation rather than a "Hot Stuff Magazine" kind of person.
11-22-2007, 09:18 PM
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no worries,,, the forum is open for healthy discussions...
11-24-2007, 03:57 AM
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bro, coupe7 is rite, this car is meant for enjoyment, fun, thrill, etc, even if you wanna keep it stock, there are still minor mods needed to be done, but go to the correct place to do it.
i've spent 20K++ in doing mods that was not suitable for our car, know wat happen, a toyota vios beat the crap out of me and not only tat, the car started to give problems e.g can't even go up to 3k RPM.
the more you love this car, the more you have to mod, of course not asking you to do tc or sc lah, even if you can afford it, but just by doing the minor ones, and i'm sure that all of the bros and sis here can gaurantee that you'll enjoy your ride even more.
you can still do your mods and drive relax, and play at the track. trust the bros and sis here for the good advise they give, cause they've helped me to achieve wat i want for my ride, and i'm still learning from them. cheers bro
i've spent 20K++ in doing mods that was not suitable for our car, know wat happen, a toyota vios beat the crap out of me and not only tat, the car started to give problems e.g can't even go up to 3k RPM.
the more you love this car, the more you have to mod, of course not asking you to do tc or sc lah, even if you can afford it, but just by doing the minor ones, and i'm sure that all of the bros and sis here can gaurantee that you'll enjoy your ride even more.
you can still do your mods and drive relax, and play at the track. trust the bros and sis here for the good advise they give, cause they've helped me to achieve wat i want for my ride, and i'm still learning from them. cheers bro
11-25-2007, 11:57 PM
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Wah ha ha ha...Mazda should change its theme from "Zoom Zoom Zoom" to "Zhng Zhng Zhng". Tonysg, I take your point. Am not advocating that people not upgrade their rides...the desire to get the most out of it is always there. Even so, right now, am not not looking for performance upgrades, just something to protect my auto tranny given the heat issue. That's my immediate concern.
Staying as stock as I can right now but THEN in the long run...who knows....?
cheers.
Staying as stock as I can right now but THEN in the long run...who knows....?
cheers.
Last edited by wildchilde; 11-26-2007 at 12:01 AM.
11-26-2007, 12:03 AM
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Wilde, i am one of the most kiasee customers of Monster - whatever i do comes with tons of reading, research, and letting others try out first - no problem then i do.
My current ride right now is configured for the best balance of power and longevity - and it's completely NA. Nothing beats extremely kiasu servicing intervals for both engine and transmission oils - MM say 10k, pple do 5k, i do 3k. and i'm very picky on what sort of oil i use - again; RE or Idemitsu for engine; Redline high temp for tranny.
Since you're a car- and-driver type of guy, and i don't think you'll be modding much, then dun install the hayden if you're uncomfortable with it. Just do regular servicing can already.
My current ride right now is configured for the best balance of power and longevity - and it's completely NA. Nothing beats extremely kiasu servicing intervals for both engine and transmission oils - MM say 10k, pple do 5k, i do 3k. and i'm very picky on what sort of oil i use - again; RE or Idemitsu for engine; Redline high temp for tranny.
Since you're a car- and-driver type of guy, and i don't think you'll be modding much, then dun install the hayden if you're uncomfortable with it. Just do regular servicing can already.
11-26-2007, 12:08 AM
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Btw folks, I've just personally verified with a qualified mechanic who has experience with the 8 that later 2006-2007 6AT models have 2 oil coolers not just 1. Just look at the areas next to the fog light recesses. There should be oil coolers on both sides. If your dealer told you that your 6AT was a newer 2006/2007 model and it only has 1 oil cooler, guess its time to haul them up...
11-26-2007, 12:18 AM
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Wilde, i am one of the most kiasee customers of Monster - whatever i do comes with tons of reading, research, and letting others try out first - no problem then i do.
My current ride right now is configured for the best balance of power and longevity - and it's completely NA. Nothing beats extremely kiasu servicing intervals for both engine and transmission oils - MM say 10k, pple do 5k, i do 3k. and i'm very picky on what sort of oil i use - again; RE or Idemitsu for engine; Redline high temp for tranny.
Since you're a car- and-driver type of guy, and i don't think you'll be modding much, then dun install the hayden if you're uncomfortable with it. Just do regular servicing can already.
My current ride right now is configured for the best balance of power and longevity - and it's completely NA. Nothing beats extremely kiasu servicing intervals for both engine and transmission oils - MM say 10k, pple do 5k, i do 3k. and i'm very picky on what sort of oil i use - again; RE or Idemitsu for engine; Redline high temp for tranny.
Since you're a car- and-driver type of guy, and i don't think you'll be modding much, then dun install the hayden if you're uncomfortable with it. Just do regular servicing can already.
Anyways, any idea whether its a must to mount an aux ATF cooler in series with the radiator? With 2 oil coolers on the 6AT, looks like its gonna be the default location anyways.
Will keep my ride mostly stock or only some very minor performance upgrades (more for handling than power). But do intend to drive it hard, and jams are a part of my daily commute...so that's why I'm still am interested in the ATF cooler. Thanks for all the advice nonetheless!
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