Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Just Got Tranny Rebuilt at AAMCO.. Tranny Cooler??

After reading several post the idea that many gave was to go get a tranny rebuilt at a smaller shop that depends on a reputation. So I was gogin to do that, but i go to College fargotm my home so i need something with a warrenty that was flexible so I went to AAMCO, and they charged me 1600 for a complete rebuild: Torque Converter, 1 motor mount, intertal crap, etc, car is running better than ever, i enjoy riding it again, I did not get the tranny cooler, I read alot of people are saying to get onw with a fan, perhaps a hayden, I am just wondering What Model exaclty and approx cost, and should I have them drain the fluid and put Syntetic oil since i only put about 50 miles on the tranny, I must say those guys did one hell of a job, do not be so quick to disregaurd them as an option

You need a parallel flow efficient cooler, not a tube and fin style cooler which wont shed the heat as well. Tube and fins are one continuous tube, parallel flows use stacked plates or tubes.
Also these ATX have no decent filtration of particles, they use an internal metal screen filter sort of like window screen. Every small particle of grit that comes off the clutch packs simply circulates around with the oil grinding away like sandpaper and that is why people talk about changing fluid every 10 thousand miles, but really since it is not filtered well, they are just delaying the inevitable result. You put the filter in the line, AAMCO sells inline filters. Ford sells one, and you can get one at CarQuest for $22. The filter and cooler need to go in the return line and this is the line coming off the bottom hookup on the radiator.

I used a ford focus cooler ( 23 inch by 5 by 3/4 )and fit it in front of the stock power steering pump cooler, An easy install, no trying to force it in the spaces where it was not designed to fit. Or you can try and find one long and narrow. I got mine on ebay. Use the space you have, some people try and force coolers between radiator and condenser where there is almost no space.

Where did you come from? Need more knowledgable ppl like you around.

I bought a 98 contour for my daughter and decided to share a little here.

Guess I need to read more ATX posts.

I've installed the stacked cooler fins as well as a spin on atx external oil filter that BigJim mentioned awhile back......Uses standard oil filter such as for the engine. Easy to replace and I do it at every other oil engine change for the atx filter.....

The filter in the atx a standard poly substrate material. The problem is that the filter is not replaceable unless you take the atx apart. As miles build up and if the filter becomes clogged or restricts flow, there is a bypass feature that allows the oil to still circulate but alas it is no longer filtered....Ford gave an award to this company for designing this type of filter......I would have thought the best route would be to design a filter that is replaceable........oh well I guess the throw-away concept is at hand.



Bob